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An Israeli study has indicated that Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine is 89.4% effective in stemming the spread of COVID-19.
While early evidence had indicated that coronavirus vaccines had reduced transmission of the virus, in addition to preventing disease, experts warned the matter needed further study.
The study by Pfizer, BioNTech, and the Israeli Ministry of Health was the first decisive indication that a vaccine actually halted transmission, Bloomberg reported.
The study, which was published as a draft and has not yet been peer reviewed, also suggests that vaccination could prevent the spread of the virus through asymptomatic carriers, according to Bloomberg.
Israel has administered more vaccines per capita than any other country, with nearly half of the country’s 9.05 million people having received the vaccine so far.
Israel began its nationwide deployment of the Pfizer vaccine on December 20.
During the study period, January 17 to February 6, 80 percent of the virus cases in Israel were a more infectious strain believed to originate from England. About 27% of Israelis aged 15 and over were fully vaccinated until February 6, which the study defined as having received their second dose more than seven days previously, according to Bloomberg.
Israel’s health ministry also said the vaccine was 98% effective in preventing symptoms such as fever or respiratory problems and 99% effective in preventing death or hospitalization, according to Reuters.
Israel imposed a new lockdown after the English variant was detected, but is expected to lift several lockdown measures on Sunday, including the reopening of schools and most retailers. The government also created the “Green Pass,” an app that allows fully vaccinated citizens or those who are vaccinated after recovery to show their credentials to stay in hotels or attend public events, according to Reuters.
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