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Even in vaccination pioneers like Israel and the UK, the mutation is catching on. Still, vaccinations are the most important tool in the fight against a new wave.
More than 90 percent of cases in the U.K. in the last four weeks have been due to the delta variant. However, unlike previous waves, case numbers appear to be decoupling from deaths and hospitalizations.
Figures from Israel show positive effect of vaccination
The reason for the rise of delta variant infections is likely to be that although double vaccination does not fully protect against infection with the delta variant, it often leads to a more moderate course in the event of disease. At least, this is what data from the Israeli government suggest. The Ministry of Health announced that the effectiveness of Biontech/Pfizer vaccination in preventing infection had fallen to 64 percent. However, the vaccination averted severe illness and hospitalization 93 percent of the time. In Israel, the number of new infections is again rising slightly.
It remains unclear, however, how the spread of the delta variant will affect the long-term consequences for those who fall ill and whether the double vaccination will be able to contain the so-called long covid in addition to severe courses of the disease. Scientists are also concerned about this because in many countries the delta variant is spreading increasingly among young people, who generally do not have any vaccination protection.
Cyprus leads in new infections
Other European countries are also worried about a delta wave: the Norwegian government, unlike the British, has therefore postponed the relaxation of some restrictions. Rules on bars and restaurants, private gatherings and recreational sports will now continue to apply. In France, Health Minister Olivier Veran warned Sunday of a fourth wave and urged the French to get vaccinated. In a European comparison, Cyprus is ahead of the U.K. in new infections, followed by Spain, Portugal and Russia.
Second vaccination becomes more important
Because protection against Delta is significantly lower after one dose of vaccination, the second dose of vaccination is now coming to the fore. In Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination now recommends that an mRNA vaccine be used for the second dose after a first vaccination with AstraZeneca. This allows the interval between doses to be reduced from up to twelve weeks to four weeks. In the United Kingdom, discussions are already underway about a third dose, a so-called booster vaccination, starting in the fall to increase vaccination protection once again.
— source: nzz.ch/picture: pixabay.com
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