First Volunteer Inoculated with Israeli BriLife Corona Vaccine
Segev Harel, a 26-year-old business student from Kibbutz Sde Nechemia in northern Israel, on Sunday morning became the first person to be injected with the novel “BriLife” anti-corona vaccine, created by the Israeli Institute of Biological Research (IIBR) at Sheba Medical Center. In the coming months, Harel will be monitored by doctors at Sheba and IIBR to see how his body reacts to the vaccine.
“This is truly a historical moment for the people of Israel and for Sheba Medical Center," said Harel. "I’m happy to do it because the corona virus has affected all of us in and created havoc. I myself was laid off from a full-time job because of corona, so I felt that the time had come for me to do something about it. I did not volunteer for money or fame; I just wanted to help defeat this terrible disease,” Segev shared in an exclusive interview.
When asked if he was afraid, Harel said he has "no real worries. I'm a healthy guy and I believe in my body's immune system. I sat with the doctors in charge of the trial and they were confident everything would be fine. I'm sure of it. My immediate family is happy and supportive. As with anything in life that has a risk, there are those who are more supportive and those who are less, but I respect everyone. In the end it's my decision, and the more I think about it, the more I feel that I did the right thing.”
Sheba’s Early Phase Clinical Trial Department will become the focal point for the BriLife vaccine Phase 1/2 trial for the coming months. During November, 39 more volunteers will receive the vaccine or a placebo.
At a press conference held on Sunday morning, minutes after Harel received the vaccine, Prof. Dror Harats, VP of Research and Development and Chairman of IRB (Helsinki Committee) at Sheba Medical Center reported, “We have worked closely with the IIBR during the development of this vaccine and have checked every angle. We are familiar with the type of virus used in this vaccine from its similar use in the battle against the deadly Ebola virus. We will monitor the results carefully, in tandem with the IIBR and Ministry of Health. This is a key phase for all of us who are involved in battling corona in Israel and around the world.”
Calling it a proud and historic moment, Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center, said that "The government of Israel has great confidence in our abilities and we are always here to offer an outstretched hand to the people of Israel in times of need.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added, “Already back in February, when the first corona wave hit, I saw firsthand and was impressed by how Sheba Medical Center’s staff handled the crisis with innovative medical treatments.”
Photo caption: Segev Harel receives first-ever Israeli BriLife covid vaccine under the watchful eyes of Prof. Dror Harats.
Credit: Courtesy Sheba Medical Center
