The Delta Plus variant is a variant of concern in India. Any variant is categorized as a ‘variant of concern’ or a ‘variant of interest’ on the basis of its transmissibility and virulence. AY.1, is known as the Delta Plus, and AY.2, which is unlikely to be more transmissible than the parent according to INSACOG, a consortium of government panels. Primarily seen in the US with single reclassified cases in the UK and India, there is no significant property of this mutation. Scientists are working to test if the newfound strain can be neutralized with Covaxin, made by Bharat Biotech. However, experts also view that two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are effective against the Delta variant.
Rajesh Bhushan, Health Secretary has said that Covaxin and Covishield are effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19. Except for Rajesh Bhushan, other doctors have also said based on the scientific evaluation by the ICMR, both vaccines are effective against the coronavirus, including the Delta variant when it comes to the effectiveness of Covaxin and Covishield against the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Delta Plus is Resistant to Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins. They stimulate the power of our immunity system to fight against dangerous pathogens such as viruses. Medical experts say the monoclonal antibodies that are used as a method to fight COVID-19 may fail to work against the Delta Plus Variant. Monoclonal antibodies have been made to block the attachment and entry of viruses into human cells. However, more scientific data need to be collected to ensure whether the monoclonal antibodies are or are not effective against the Delta Plus variant.
AstraZeneca Efficacy against Delta
According to scientists:
- The AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine may have restrained effectiveness against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
- The efficacy of the AZ vaccine against the Delta variant is 60%
- Pfizer is 88% in one non-trial study
- However, 1 shot of the Covid vaccine (both types averaged) is just 33%.
- WHO has said the Delta variant has become dominant in the world.
WHO On Reduced Vaccine Efficacy
To give the answer to the question ‘how much of a threat the Delta variant could be in countries that are vaccinating their populations’ Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the WHO states the Delta variant is of great concern for people. Reason being, it is spreading across the world.
When we go by the statement of Dr. Maria about the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, we can say:
- For all variants concerned variants, including the Delta variant, coronavirus vaccines remain effective against severe diseases and death. And this is great news for every one of us. However, two doses of the vaccine should be given for the full level of protection. One dose can reduce the efficacy.
Things to Know About Delta Variant COVID-19
- Delta is more contagious in comparison to other virus strains
- Unvaccinated people are at risk
- Delta could lead to ‘hyperlocal outbreaks if Delta continues to move fast enough
- There is still more to learn about Delta
- Vaccination is the best protection against Delta
Every state with Delta Plus cases in India is taking up prompt containment measures. They have enhanced testing, tracking and vaccinations. In a nutshell, the most important step you can take for protecting yourself from delta variants is to get fully vaccinated. Full vaccination means to get a two-dose vaccine. For example, you must get the shots and then you must wait for a period of at least two weeks for getting those shots to take full effect on your health. It is also important to follow coronavirus guidelines given by medical experts whether or not you are vaccinated. Stay home, use masks, use sanitizer and wash your hands with soap.