News 7/12/21 in Adult coloring and photography

TEL AVIV — Israel’s Ministry of Health on Monday began offering a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine to severely immunocompromised adults in what health experts say could be the first phase of an experiment to provide coronavirus booster shots for older people and the most vulnerable.

The recommendation, published Sunday by the ministry, said that the goal of the new program was to raise antibody levels among immunocompromised citizens, including cancer patients, recipients of liver transplants, and others who have recently exhibited weakened vaccine protection, according to data. It said that it had still not made a decision on administering third shots for the general adult population.

Top American general in Afghanistan to step down Monday as U.S. finalizes exit and Taliban surges
Army Gen. Austin “Scott” Miller, the longest-serving American commander in Afghanistan, will relinquish command in a ceremony at the top U.S. military headquarters in Kabul. President Biden said last week that the withdrawal will be complete Aug. 31, but in practical terms, it is already over, with Miller’s departure the most significant piece that was remaining, defense officials said.

~Washington Post

Here’s a selection of top stories from The Associated Press to start the week.

Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser has acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.

Swashbuckling billionaire Richard Branson hurtled into space aboard his own winged rocket ship, bringing astro-tourism a step closer to reality and beating out his exceedingly richer rival Jeff Bezos.

Haiti is struggling to recover from last week’s brazen slaying of its president with its government in disarray; no parliament, a dispute over who is prime minister, a weak police force, but gangs that seem more organized and powerful than ever.

And in Britain, three Black players who missed penalty kicks for England in the decisive European Championship shootout against Italy on Sunday night were subjected to racist abuse online, prompting the English Football Association to issue a statement condemning the language used against the players.

Andrew Meldrum

Africa News Editor

Johannesburg