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appalachiablue

(41,055 posts)
Tue Jul 6, 2021, 01:29 AM Jul 2021

Israel, Delta: Pfizer Shot Halts Severe Illness, Efficacy Against Transmission of Virus Declines

'Pfizer Shot Halts Severe Illness in Israel as Delta Spreads,' Bloomberg, July 5, 2021. - Excerpts, Edited

- Effectiveness against transmission of virus declines
- Israel lifted all Covid restrictions at the start of June

Pfizer Inc.’s vaccine was less effective at keeping people from getting the coronavirus in Israel in recent weeks, but it continues to provide a strong shield against severe Covid-19, according to government data. The vaccine protected 64% of people against the illness between June 6 and early July, down from a previous 94%. The drop was observed as the delta variant was spreading in Israel, the Health Ministry said. It also coincided with the lifting of virus restrictions at the start of June.

Despite the indications of increased infections, the data also showed the shot is protecting people from severe illness. Its effectiveness at preventing hospitalization fell to 93% compared with at least 97% in an earlier government study. Delta is spreading around the globe as governments race to inoculate people. The mutation has forced some countries to delay or rethink plans to loosen curbs on businesses, activity and travel..

Israel had one of the world’s most effective coronavirus inoculation drives. About 57% of the population is now fully vaccinated.

Many new Covid-19 cases are among vaccinated people, according to Ynet news service. Last Friday, 55% of the newly infected had been vaccinated, the website said. As of July 4, there were 35 serious cases of coronavirus out of a population of 9.3 million, compared with 21 on June 19. Vaccinated individuals who contracted the coronavirus will be studied for factors such as age, pre-existing conditions and inoculation dates, in order to evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine and the rate at which it wears off.

The government is considering reinstating additional restrictions after restoring a mandate to wear masks indoors in public spaces. No decision has been on recommending a third dose of vaccine, the health ministry said...

More,
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-05/israel-sees-decline-in-pfizer-vaccine-efficacy-rate-ynet-says
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'From Alpha To Delta, Why Virus Mutations Cause Alarm,' Quicktake, June 30, 2021,
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-01/from-alpha-to-delta-why-virus-mutations-cause-alarm-quicktake
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Related: UK: 'NHS Draws Up Plans To Roll Out Covid Booster Jabs From Sept.'
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/30/nhs-draws-up-plans-to-roll-out-covid-booster-jabs-from-september

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