Pfizer‘s COVID-19 vaccine has shown less efficacy in recent weeks in protecting against the disease, Israel’s official data has shown. It, however, continues to provide protection against severe COVID-19, Bloomberg reported, quoting the government’s data.

Also read: 2 doses of COVID vaccines mostly prevent hospitalisation with Delta variant: UK

The vaccine protected 64% of people against COVID-19 from June 6 to early July. Thus, there was a drop of about 30% from 94% efficacy previously recorded. Although the data showed that the vaccine continues to be effective against serious illness, its efficacy in preventing hospitalisation dropped from 97% to 93%.

Notably, the data was recorded at a time when the Delta variant is spreading and the country has lifted COVID-induced curbs.

The variant, first detected in India, has led to COVID surge in several countries and has delayed their plans to reopen.

Also read: Here’s why some people get side effects after COVID vaccination

Israel, which is running a successful inoculation drive against COVID-19, has fully vaccinated 57% of its population. However, many new virus cases are among those vaccinated, the Israeli media reported. As of Monday, the country has of 9.3 million has 35 serious cases of COVID-19. 

The Prime Minister’s Office has said that the country plans to study those vaccinated who contracted the virus, including factors such as age, pre-existing conditions and inoculation dates. This will be done to assess the efficacy of the vaccine.

As the Delta variant is spreading across Israel, the government is thinking about reinstating curbs, Bloomberg reported.

Also read: CDC launches probe into death of Michigan teen days after taking Pfizer jab

Meanwhile, Pfizer has said that a third dose will be likely needed 12 months after getting the second dose. Israel hasn’t announced any decision regarding this.