A Study In Israel Records Steep Drop In Efficacy Rate Of BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA Vaccine, Revised Downwards To 64%

Efficacy of the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA vaccine against Delta variant of coronavirus is lower than initially thought, a new study has revealed.

Ynet news website reported that a new study conducted in Israel has found a steep drop in the efficacy rate of the Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE in preventing coronavirus infections especially the delta variant. However the decline in protection against serious cases and hospitalization is considerably milder.

The study showed that between May 2 and June 5, the vaccine had a 94.3% efficacy rate. From June 6, five days after the government canceled coronavirus restrictions, until early July, the rate plunged to 64%. A similar decline was recorded in protection against coronavirus symptoms, the report added.

The study however established encouraging outcomes for those vaccinated as far as hospitalisation goes. From May 2 to June 5, the efficacy rate in preventing hospitalization was 98.2%, compared with 93% from June 6 to July 3. A similar decline in the rate was recorded for the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing serious illness among people vaccinated.

Israel had one of the world’s most effective coronavirus inoculation drives and about 57% of the population is now fully vaccinated. More than 5m of Israel’s 9m citizens have been fully vaccinated.

Israel lifted all coronavirus restrictions on June 1 but after several new cases were reported, it restored the rule to wear masks indoors in public spaces.

As of today(Jul 5) the country had nearly 2,600 active cases, more than double that of the previous week. 55% of the newly infected had been vaccinated, Ynet news website stated. There are about 35 serious cases of coronavirus in Israel, compared with 21 on June 19.

The government is now considering reinstating additional coronavirus-related restrictions after