Pfizer vaccine 85% effective after first dose in working age people – study

More than 7,000 healthcare workers at the Sheba Medical Centre in Israel – the country’s largest hospital – were involved in the study.

The scientists also found that all infections, including those without symptoms, were reduced by 75% after the first dose. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

A coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech is 85% effective at preventing people developing Covid-19 symptoms after the first dose, a study of Israeli healthcare workers has shown.

The findings, published in the journal Lancet, appear to provide reassurance about the UK’s decision to delay the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine – given the high level of protection from the first shot – in order to increase the number of people getting the jab.