Israel’s Ministry of Health recently signed an agreement on collecting epidemiological data with coronavirus vaccine maker Pfizer. According to the agreement, Israel will provide statistical information and epidemiological data about the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on Israelis who received it to allow the company to assess its efficiency. In exchange for this information, Pfizer promised to give Israel preference over other countries in obtaining the vaccine and that it would provide enough vaccines to vaccinate the entire adult population.
There have been complaints about a lack of transparency around the agreement. They were especially concerned about the transfer of medical information pertaining to Israelis who were vaccinated that could allegedly be given to Pfizer without the patients’ consent. People wondered how Pfizer would use this information and if there was any risk that personal information about people receiving the vaccine would be revealed to the company. They asked how the government planned to ensure that privacy would not be violated, particularly when it comes to medical issues.
