A real-world test of Israel’s mass vaccination program shows that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing death, severe illness and hospitalisations.

The 94% efficacy rate from the two-dose regimen, based on data from more than half a million vaccinated individuals in a case-control study, is consistent with findings from Pfizer’s phase III randomised controlled trial.

Israel’s vaccination program is the world’s most advanced in per capita administration of the vaccine, with more than 35% of the country’s population (total 9.1 million) being fully vaccinated since 19 December.

And just over half of Israelis have received their first dose, which provides a significant level of protection.