An analysis of data from Israel on the rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the first clear indication that immunisation could have a big impact on the transmission of coronavirus.

The study by the Israeli Health Ministry and Pfizer found the  vaccine reduces infection, including in asymptomatic cases, by 89.4 per cent, and in symptomatic cases by 93.7 per cent.

Nearly half of the Israeli population has had at least one dose of vaccine.

Separately, Israeli authorities on Saturday said the Pfizer-BioNTech shot was 99 per cent effective at preventing deaths from the virus.

Michal Linial, a professor of molecular biology and bioinformatics at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, told Reuters the findings were a big step towards answering one of the most important questions in combating the pandemic.

“Whether it is 75 or 90 percent reduction doesn’t matter - it is a big drop in transmission,” Linial said. “It means that not only is the individual vaccinated protected, the inoculation also provides protection to his or her surroundings.”