Israel says COVID-19 infections dropped 95.8 pct after both Pfizer shots

The rate of COVID-19 infections dropped 95.8 percent among people who received both shots of Pfizer’s vaccine, Israel’s Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The vaccine was also 98 percent effective in preventing infections that caused fever or breathing problems and 98.9 percent effective in preventing hospitalizations and death, the ministry said.

For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.

The findings were based on data collected nationally through February 13 from Israelis who had received their second shot at least two weeks previously.

According to the Health Ministry’s website, about 1.7 million people had been administered a second shot by January 30, making them eligible to be included.

For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Previous reports from individual health care providers also showed positive results, spurring Israel to remove restrictions on the economy after weeks of lockdown.

On Sunday, schools and many stores will be allowed to reopen.

The Health Ministry has also rolled out a “Green Pass” app, linked to personal medical files, which people who have been fully inoculated or deemed immune after recovering from COVID-19 can show to stay at hotels or attend cultural or sporting events.

Read more:

Over 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally

Hamas blasts Israel over blocking COVID-19 vaccines to Gaza

Israel cancels participation in UAE defense expo, citing COVID-19 curbs on travel

Biden slams Trump’s vaccine record as he tours Pfizer facility