New COVID-19 infections in the US are the result of the Delta variant. This new mutation can avoid immune responses easier than previous strains. New studies have been released showing how effective vaccines are against the Delta variant.
How does each vaccine do against the Delta variant?
The data isn’t definitive, and more research needs to be done. Nevertheless, researchers have begun to comb through the data. The World Health Organization said that COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and AstraZeneca worked well against mutation.
How much protection do COVID-19 vaccines provide?
A study out of the UK in May found the effectiveness of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca were 33% effective after the first dose. Thereafter, the second dose raised effectiveness to 88% and 60%, respectively.
A Canadian study showed Moderna with a 72% effectiveness after one dose. On the other hand, Moderna is awaiting more data on the second dose effectiveness numbers.
Several studies produced varying results on vaccine effectiveness.
Studies came from several countries like the US, UK, and Ireland. With this in mind, the numbers vary in each study. For one thing, it is hard to measure how well vaccines work in the real world versus in a trial. Undoubtedly, vaccines provide a better level of protection from the Delta variant than the unvaccinated.
What can I do about the Delta variant?
Follow your local, state, and federal guidelines as best as you can. All things considered, we are all trying our best to find our way out of this pandemic. Continue to check nwhealth-services.org for updates. Even more, check out Missouri’s vaccine website on how to get your vaccine. Also, check the CDC for your best COVID-19 guidance.
Thanks for reading,
Cam Corbet is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Northwest Health Services and works with healthcare professionals to educate on important health issues.