A new study has found that people who have received a Pfizer booster or their second dose less than six months ago are protected from the virus by 90%.
Discover our latest podcast
Not as infectious as initially feared
Israeli health officials have remained optimistic with the efficacy rate of the Pfizer vaccine after finding that it still provides ample protection. Despite what was being reported at the onset of the emergence of the new strain, the vaccine can prevent significant degeneration requiring hospitalisation and preventing death by a large margin, according to their research.
What's more, the same scientists confirmed that the super-mutated variant is only 30% more transmissible than Delta—a much lower percentage than what was initially feared. Health minister Nitzan Horowitz said:
In the coming days we will have more accurate information about the efficacy of the vaccine against Omicron.
And added:
But there is already room for optimism, and there are initial indications that those who are vaccinated with a vaccine still valid or with a booster, will also be protected from this variant.
Restrictions will not be as severe
Israel's health minister seemed so optimistic about his team's latest findings that he insisted that restrictions would not revert to how severe they once were. In a statement, he reassured the public that the research found on vaccine efficacy meant that Omicron would not interfere with the public's freedom ensuring a festive holiday seasons to be had. He said:
We will not close the country and will maintain life as normal as possible... There is currently no intention to impose restrictions on life within Israel, and we will do everything possible to ensure that this continues
