Health Min.: Over 20% of Israeli Population Received First Virus Vaccine Shot

New data shows 10.5% of Jerusalem residents have received the Coronavirus vaccine, while in Tel Aviv 19.8%; the southern town of Omer takes the lead with 40% of the population vaccinated; Haredi communities trail others when it comes to inoculation, as Ynet said.

"Over 20% of the Israeli public has received the shot of the coronavirus vaccine," the Israeli Health Ministry said.

Israel has been among the countries in the world when it comes to its COVID-19 vaccination drive boosted by a high-speed inoculation campaign that so far saw over two million Israelis vaccinated.

The ministry said 21.44% has received the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, while 0.97% of the public have already been given the second jab.

For the first time since the start of the vaccination campaign, health authorities released the tally of inoculated in each city.

The southern town of Omer boasts the highest number of vaccinated with over 40% of the residents inoculated so far.

In Jerusalem, which has the highest number of active coronavirus patients, 10.5% of the population have been given the vaccine, while in Tel Aviv, 19.8% of the residents have already been inoculated.

Although it appears the ultra-Orthodox cities have a much lower number of vaccinated compared to other cities and towns, these communities have a significantly younger population than the national average.

On the other hand, some 13 Israeli people have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Ministry reported, and estimates are that the number of cases could be higher.

Health officials have raised questions about whether or not to administer the second dose to these inpiduals, but the Health Ministry is recommending that the second dose be given.

"For at least 28 hours I walked around with it [facial paralysis]," one person who had the side effect told Ynet. "I can't say it was completely gone afterward, but other than that I had no other pains, except a minor pain where the injection was, but there was nothing beyond that."