Health Ministry says tally of patients in severe condition is edging towards 100, with 98 currently suffering from serious symptoms, with 82.5% of them unvaccinated; virus' reproduction number also spikes and now stands at 1.41

Israeli hospitals treating some 1,088 flu patients after only 17 percent of entire population has been vaccinated against influenza this year; in first half of November, 15% increase in respiratory disease among children was reported

Health officials say if current contagion rate does not slow down, Israel's daily COVID caseload may surpass 10,000 in two weeks; add only way to battle highly contagious variant is doubling down on vaccinations

Despite upsurge in cases, pediatric vaccination campaign continues to lag behind, with just 15.6% of children aged 5-11 having received at least one shot; over 41,000 students in quarantine

Sheba Medical Center says trial would shed light on the efficacy of a fourth dose and help decision-makers set health policy in Israel and abroad; 150 staff will take part in trial