Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is appearing to be less effective in halting the spread of the Delta strain of the virus, but it is said to be shielding people against severe cases, according to data from Israel's government.
The vaccine protected 64% of people against the illness between June 6 and early July, down from 94% between May 2 and June 5, the Israel Health Ministry said.
The drop in effectiveness coincides with the government lifting virus restrictions at the start of June, just as the new variant was beginning to make inroads.
The Israel Health Ministry also reported some positive news showing that the vaccine is protecting against severe illness. The effectiveness at preventing hospitalisation dipped only slightly to 93% from 98% in those periods.