By now, you would all have known that the Delta variant is highly infectious and the emergence of it has caused the world to become a “dangerous place”, as mentioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The variant has already infiltrated at least 98 countries through airborne transmission, and the number of cases linked to this variant continues to be on a rise.
So what exactly can we do to prevent ourselves from getting infected?
Well, the number one thing to do right now, is to get vaccinated.
Study Shows 2 Shots of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine is ‘Highly Effective’ Against Delta Variant
A study that was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that based on real-world data, those who have taken two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca are better protected against the Delta variant. This substantiates the findings by Public Health England (PHE) back in May regarding the efficacy of the two vaccines.
According to the study, two shots of the Pfizer vaccine have an 88% efficacy of preventing symptomatic disease caused by the Delta variant, and a 93.7% efficacy against the Alpha variant.
It was previously reported that two shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine only had 60% efficacy against the Delta variant, and 66% against the Alpha variant. However, the new study has found that two shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine actually offer 67% efficacy against the Delta variant, and a 74.5% efficacy against the Alpha variant.
The study stated, “Only modest differences in vaccine effectiveness were noted with the Delta variant as compared with the Alpha variant after the receipt of two vaccine doses.”
One-Dose Is Not Enough
Since the efficacy of two doses is quite high, I should be safe if I already have my first shot right?
While two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine are “highly effective” against the Delta variant, the study revealed that the efficacy is significantly reduced when an individual only has their first shot.
One shot of the Pfizer vaccine contributes to only 36% efficacy against the Delta variant, while one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine only contributes to 30% efficacy.
As such, it is important that you quickly get vaccinated with your second dose as soon as possible.
Sign Up For Vaccination If You Have Not Done So
Since the government is trying to ramp up vaccination rates, they have opened up more slots and also decreased the intervals between each dose. You can now bring forward your vaccination appointment here if you have not already done so. Simply fill in your unique booking code sent to you via SMS and your NRIC, and you would be able to change your appointment date to an earlier slot.
If you have not had your first vaccine yet but you fall in the age category suitable to take it, you are strongly encouraged to register for your first appointment soon. This way, not only will you be better protected, but your family members and loved ones will be too.
Watch more about vaccines and their side effects here:
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Read Also:
- MOH Provides Examples of Strenuous Physical Activities to Avoid After Taking COVID-19 Vaccine
- The Pfizer-BioNTech & Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines Can Produce Long-Term Immunity That May Ward Off COVID-19 for Years
Featured Image: Siraj Ahmad / Shutterstock.com
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