RAMAT GAN Israel (Reuters) – A fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine was given Monday by an Israeli hospital to a group. This is as Israel considers approving the measure in order to counter the Omicron variant-fueled surge in infected people.

A spokesperson said the Sheba Medical Centre’s Ramat Gan study outside Tel Aviv will “zero in on the efficacy and safety of vaccine in creating antibodies” in order for them to decide if they need a fourth. All 150 participants are medical personnel.

Last week, a panel of experts from the Health Ministry recommended Israel be first to provide a fourth dose of vaccines – sometimes called a second booster. It will also be available to people over 60 and those with compromised immune systems.

Israeli authorities welcomed this proposal. They have been fighting against the stagnation of vaccine demand.

The ministry’s director general Nachman Ash must approve the fourth shot. Officials say that the decision will not be subject to government interference.

Israeli media reported that Ash could amend eligibility criteria to raise the threshold for age to 70, and drop medical staff from the list, in light of concerns about lackluster test data.

Ash’s decision has yet to be confirmed by Ash, the Health Ministry said so.

According to data from ministry, 63% have had their first doses of vaccines. Nearly 45% of the population have received an additional dose or booster shot. Nearly 2,000 Omicron cases, confirmed or suspected, have been reported.

Israel became the country that rolled out the initial vaccines the fastest a year back. It also was one of the first countries to notice how immunity is waning over time and responded with an extensive booster program.