The Corona vaccine from Mainz-based Biontech and its U.S. partner Pfizer has an efficacy of nearly 96 percent after two doses of vaccination, according to new data from Israel. According to the Israeli Health Ministry on Saturday, two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine, 95.8 percent fewer infections were found in vaccinated people than in unvaccinated people. One week after the second dose, efficacy was 91.9 percent, according to the report.

According to the study, the vaccine was also 99.2 percent protective against severe disease and 98.9 percent protective against fatality two weeks after the second dose. The data are based on nationwide surveys.

In view of the new figures, SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach expressed hope that herd immunity could be achieved with the vaccine. Lauterbach told the Bild am Sonntag, "These evaluations are of great importance. They are the first clear indication that after vaccination, you don't get infected and you're not contagious."

Thus, the vaccination would actually enable herd immunity "and make a return to normal life possible."

The Israeli vaccination campaign is considered the most ambitious and successful to date. According to new data from the Ministry of Health, 4.25 million people in the country of around nine million have already received at least one Corona vaccine dose. 2.88 million people have already received both vaccine doses needed for complete immunisation.

In the meantime, everyone over the age of 16 can make an appointment to be vaccinated. Head of government Benjamin Netanyahu expects that in two weeks 95 percent of citizens over the age of 50 will have been vaccinated. Against this backdrop, schools and many stores will be allowed to reopen starting this Sunday.

Image by Alexey Fedenkov