Vivacious Virus Vanquishers Verify Vaccine Volume, Variety, Validate Variant Vanguard

Israel’s government on Monday acquired its latest batch of coronavirus vaccines, securing a total of 15 million new doses from both Pfizer and Moderna as it continues to outpace the rest of the world in its inoculation rate. The separate deals, amounting to NIS 1.7 billion ($520 million), will be spread out until the end of 2023 and include an option of adding 30 million more shots if needed. The pharmaceutical companies also committed to supplying Israel with the most up-to-date versions of their vaccines, to provide the necessary protection from new variants of the coronavirus. Nearly 5 million Israelis out of a total population of 9 million have already received both doses of the Pfizer shot, a feat that has allowed the Jewish state to reopen most of its economy and schools. With sporting events and entertainment venues also gradually returning to normal and mask-wearing mandates rescinded earlier this week, Israel, barring unexpected setbacks, has practically put the pandemic in the rearview mirror.