The Latest: Israel expands eligibility for booster vaccines

Israel is expanding its coronavirus booster shot program to people over the age of 50

JERUSALEM — Israel is expanding its coronavirus booster shot program to people over the age of 50. Israel was one of the world’s leaders in vaccinating its population early this year. But in recent weeks, it has seen a surge in cases involving the more transmissible delta variant, even among individuals who were thought to be fully vaccinated. Israel last month began offering a booster shot to people over the age of 60, becoming the first country in the world that uses a Western vaccine to do so. The campaign was expanded on Friday to people over 50 and front-line health care workers. Health officials in the United States and Europe have not yet recommended booster shots.