An Israeli study indicated that the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine was 89.4% effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Although early tests had indicated that coronavirus vaccines have reduced the transmission of the virus, in addition to preventing disease, experts have warned that the issue required further study.
The study by Pfizer, BioNTech and the Israeli Ministry of Health was the first decisive indication that a vaccine slowed transmission, Bloomberg reported.
The study, published in draft form and has not yet been peer-reviewed, also suggests that vaccination may prevent the spread of the virus by asymptomatic carriers, according to Bloomberg.
Israel has administered more vaccines per capita than any other country, with nearly half of the nation’s 9.05 million people receiving the shot so far.
Israel began its national launch of the Pfizer vaccine on December 20th.
During the time period covered by the study, from January 17 to February 6, 80 percent of cases of the virus in Israel were a more infectious strain that is believed to have originated in England. About 27 percent of Israelis 15 years of age or older were fully vaccinated by Feb. 6, which the study defined as receiving their second dose more than seven days earlier, according to Bloomberg.
The Israeli health ministry also said the vaccine was 98% effective in preventing symptoms such as fevers or respiratory problems and 99% effective in preventing deaths or hospitalization, according to Reuters.
Israel imposed a new closure after detecting the English variant, but is expected to lift several blockade measures on Sunday, including the reopening of schools and most retailers. The government has also unveiled the “Green Pass,” an app that allows citizens who are fully vaccinated or who are vaccinated after recovery to show their credentials to stay in hotels or attend public events, according to Reuters.