Vaccines and their efficacy against COVID-19 delta variant
COVID-19 delta variant and vaccines working against it
The world is facing another challenge – the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Presently scientists are busy researching COVID- 19 vaccines and their response to the new delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
The transmissible delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 first raised its head in India and is now a dominant virus strain in the U.K. Researchers say that this virus strain is fatal and will mostly require hospitalization. But vaccines are effective and can help prevent COVID-19 caused by this variant. Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after both doses provides high levels of protection against the infection and may prevent hospitalization. Data regarding this has been included in a U.K study. Covishield in India provides almost 80% protection against the B1.617.2 variant of COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine
On the other hand, the Pfizer vaccine after two does provides 96% protection. The authors of the study claim “These findings indicate very high levels of protection against hospitalization with the delta variant with one or two doses of either vaccine.” If the people have received only the first dose, the efficacy of the vaccine is reduced.
Covaxin:
At this stage, there is no data to prove Covaxin’s response against the delta variant. But a research study carried out by ICMR and Bharat biotech international claims Covaxin, the COVID-19 vaccine is also effective against the latest delta variant. Covaxin is directly made from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it chemically alters structure to prevent the virus from replicating. Through extensive study and real-life testing is still awaited.
Sputnik V and CoronaVac
Russians claim Sputnik V and CoronaVac are very effective against the delta variant in comparison to others. Data related to this is included in an international peer-reviewed journal and a booster shot has been produced specially to deal with this delta variant.
Data regarding CoronaVac is awaited and some recent reports show that Indonesian medical staff tested COVID-19 positive besides inoculation against COVID-19.
