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Israel has been one of the world’s COVID vaccine success stories, having fully vaccinated 78% of people 12 years and older.
So why, then, is the virus surging there again?
There are several reasons. Primarily, as Raina MacIntyre explains, 78% of Israel’s 12 and over population is only around 60% of the total population. And 60% vaccination coverage is simply not high enough to achieve herd immunity with the more infectious Delta variant.
She says the country’s experience, along with that of certain undervaccinated parts of the US and UK, provides a glimpse of what might happen in Sydney if the NSW government lifts restrictions before the population is adequately vaccinated.
It’s important to note vaccines remain highly protective against severe outcomes. The rate of serious cases in Israel is nine times higher for unvaccinated over-60s than vaccinated over-60s.
To open safely, it’s about reaching high enough vaccine coverage plus focusing on other measures such as adequate ventilation, masks, third booster doses for health workers, and vaccinating children.
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Liam Petterson
Deputy Editor, Health + Medicine
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Maya Alleruzzo/AP/AAP
C Raina MacIntyre, UNSW
Australia plans to begin relaxing restrictions once 70% of over-16s are fully vaccinated. But as Israel shows us, it’s likely not enough to reach herd immunity, especially with the Delta variant.
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The 2024 Paris Paralympics are cutting four swimming events. Those who will be affected are athletes with the most severe impairments.
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Gregory Moore, The University of Melbourne
Spring is rapidly approaching and many birds are hunting for the best nesting sites. Competition is fierce — especially for species that nest in tree hollows.
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The Family Law: made by a foreign-owned production company.
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Anna Potter, University of the Sunshine Coast; Amanda Lotz, Queensland University of Technology
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Sandris Zeivots, University of Sydney
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Environment + Energy
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Milo Barham, Curtin University; Jussi Hovikoski, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland; Michael B.W. Fyhn, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland
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Politics + Society
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
Australia’s road out of the pandemic has descended into political acrimony and confusion, as Scott Morrison pushes back against the attempt by some states to stay largely COVID-free.
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Angelina Hurley, Griffith University
The cancellation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community events such as NAIDOC, but the continuation of sporting events, reminds us sport is prioritised over art and culture.
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Anthea Vogl, University of Technology Sydney
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Arts + Culture
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Joakim Goldhahn, The University of Western Australia; Paul S.C.Taçon, Griffith University; Sally K. May, Griffith University
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Education
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Brian Moore, Charles Sturt University; Stuart Woodcock, Griffith University
The impacts of the pandemic on students and the stigma of having had COVID-19 could be leading to bullying. It’s a complex situation, requiring schools, parents and medical experts to work together.
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Health + Medicine
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Emma McBryde, James Cook University
Not vaccinating children means living with the knowledge we haven’t done everything possible to ensure they don’t transmit COVID to more vulnerable people.
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Business + Economy
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Sharon Kaye Parker, Curtin University; Xavier Parent-Rocheleau, HEC Montréal
Our review of 45 studies on machines as managers shows we generally hate being slaves to algorithms.
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Science + Technology
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Ben Hartig, Curtin University
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