Largest investigation of the new COVID shots suggests they also sharply reduce deaths, calling them ‘an effective and essential tool.’ Research is not yet peer-reviewed.

When it comes to avoiding ‘substantial’ disease, boost was 71% effective for Pfizer, 89% for Moderna, but 4th shots give only small edge over 3-dose regimen in preventing infection

As winter sets in and health workers in many countries meet hesitance regarding 2nd booster, major Israeli research explores safety and concludes there’s no cause for concern

Research shows defense against infection fades by 15 weeks, but protection against serious illness may be longer, according to researchers at Sheba Medical Center

Shot tweaked to target Omicron strain gives those 55 and older a four-fold boost over those who got regular shot and 13 times more antibodies than those with no booster

Sheba-led research team says that 6 months after boosters, 'antibody levels and cumulative vaccine efficacy do not differ between the two vaccines'

Health authorities recommend those 65 and up receive vaccine along with other at-risk groups

Elderly and at-risk to be given priority; unclear whether vaccines will immediately be available to all, with lethargic response expected from public

Second-generation vaccines being distributed to healthcare providers, as scientific community waits expectantly to see how much they help

Vaccines will increase protection even though Omicron has already changed since they were developed, says Bar-Ilan epidemiologist