The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine appears less effective at preventing COVID-19 cases resulting from the Delta coronavirus variant but remains highly effective at preventing hospitalization, according to early data from Israel.
From June 6 to July 2, the vaccine demonstrated 64 percent efficacy at preventing cases and 94 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations, the Israeli health ministry announced late Monday, according to Ynet news.
Those results compare with previous data showing an efficacy rate of around 94 percent at preventing infections. Between May 2 and June 5, the vaccine was 98 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations for coronavirus infection.
In the time between the two datasets, the country has lifted lockdown restrictions at the same time as the arrival of the Delta variant, which is more transmissible.
Data from the U.K. has also indicated that vaccines are less effective at preventing infections with the Delta variant, but that they remain effective at preventing severe disease.
Meanwhile, Public Health England on July 2 said data suggests vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from one dose of the vaccines in use provides between 55 to 70 percent efficacy. Data on two doses indicates effectiveness of around 65 to 90 percent.
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