Israeli study finds Pfizer vaccine may be less effective on Delta variant
New data from Israel suggests the Pfizer vaccine may be less effective at preventing the spread of the Delta variant.
Researchers say vaccine effectiveness fell to 64% since June 6. That’s down from an estimated 94%.
The decline coincides with the spread of the Delta variant and the lifting of social distancing restrictions in Israel.
However, Israeli health officials say despite the so-called "breakthrough" infections, the vaccine is keeping most people out of the hospital.
The vaccine was found to be 93% effective in preventing hospitalizations.
Pfizer has not yet commented on this new data. The company says existing studies show its shot works against a number of variants, including Delta.