Delta variant of COVID-19: Understanding its nature, vaccine effectiveness, and key insights about the latest coronavirus strain
The Delta variant of COVID-19, scientifically known as "B.1.617.2," has become a global concern, accounting for at least 6% of cases in the U.S., according to NBC. This variant was first identified in October in Maharashtra, India.
Despite its contagious nature, the vaccines seem to hold up well against the Delta variant. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, stated that the Delta variant is "by far the most contagious variant of this virus that we have seen throughout the whole pandemic." However, the data suggests that if you have been vaccinated, you are likely to be protected against the Delta variant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine effectiveness against Delta is approximately 66% compared to 91% against the Alpha variant. Nevertheless, vaccinated individuals who become infected tend to have much milder illness and are less likely to die. Studies indicate that two doses of Pfizer’s vaccine provide strong protection from hospitalization due to Delta.
Moderna's vaccine also demonstrates strong antibody responses against Delta. mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) elicit robust neutralizing antibody levels and functional immune responses against Delta, superior to some viral vector vaccines. Furthermore, booster doses improve protection further, with updated bivalent Moderna and Pfizer boosters producing higher antibody levels against newer variants and presumably retaining good efficacy against Delta as well.
The National Institutes of Health provided data on the effectiveness of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines against the Delta variant. Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are 88% effective against the Delta variant. The effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine against the Delta variant was also shown to be strong, although specific data was not provided.
The Delta variant has split into several sub-variants, including one that is widespread in the United Kingdom. According to data from the United Kingdom, nearly all serious cases of the Delta variant are among the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
The Delta COVID-19 variant has spread to at least 62 countries and is causing a serious increase in cases in the U.K., despite the fact they're very vaccinated. Hot spots for the Delta variant have formed in Africa and Asia.
In summary, Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines remain effective tools to reduce Delta variant COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly when full vaccination (two doses or more) and booster doses are administered. The vaccines provide substantial protection against severe outcomes, even though their effectiveness against symptomatic infection has decreased somewhat. It is crucial to receive both doses of the vaccine to protect against the Delta variant, according to Dr. Fauci. The Delta variant is considered a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization.
Medical-conditions related to the Delta variant of COVID-19, such as severe illness and hospitalization, tend to be less likely for vaccinated individuals. The administration of booster doses further improves protection against the Delta variant, as demonstrated by moderna's vaccine.
Science and health-and-wellness research indicate that the efficacy of vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna in protecting against the Delta variant is substantial, reducing infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.
