Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 97% effective against symptomatic disease

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is 97% effective in preventing symptomatic disease in actual use, which is better than previously thought.

The analysis of data gathered from Jan. 17 to March 6 from Israel's vaccination campaign also showed that the vaccine is 94 percent effective against asymptomatic disease, CBS News reported.

"We are extremely encouraged that the real-world effectiveness data coming from Israel are confirming the high efficacy demonstrated in our phase 3 clinical trial and showing the significant impact of the vaccine in preventing severe disease and deaths due to COVID-19," said Luis Jodar, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of Pfizer Vaccines.

A previous real-world study revealed that the vaccine was 94 percent effective against symptomatic disease and 92 percent effective against asymptomatic disease, CBS News reported.