Netanyahu: Israel’s vaccination campaign launches Dec. 27

(AP) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel will begin vaccinating the public against the coronavirus on Dec. 27, making it one of the first countries in the world to inoculate its citizens.

He spoke just hours after the United Arab Emirates said a Chinese coronavirus vaccine tested in the federation of sheikhdoms is 86% effective. The Emirati statement provided few details but marked the first public release of information on the efficacy of the shot.

Earlier Wednesday, Netanyahu welcomed the first shipment of doses of the Pfizer vaccine, calling it a “big day of celebration” for the country. Hundreds of thousands of additional doses are expected in the coming days.

“I believe in this vaccine. I expect it will receive the appropriate approval in the coming days,” Netanyahu said, adding that he intended to be the first to receive it to set an example for the public.

In an evening news conference, Netanyahu said a public vaccination campaign would begin on Dec. 27, with the capacity to inoculate 60,000 people a day. He called this a “great number” in a country of 9 million people.