[ad_1]
Washington – Dr Scott Gottlieb, former head of the Food and Drug Administration, said COVID-19 vaccines still offer strong protection against serious illness and death, even though new research shows that vaccinated individuals can spread the Delta variant. disturbing.
Gottlieb noted that COVID-19 vaccines were primarily intended to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. Unvaccinated people account for the overwhelming majority of new hospitalizations and deaths.
“This premise is still fully intact,” Gottlieb said. “We still find that these vaccines do a very good job of preventing symptomatic illness, preventing hospitalizations and death. ”
The vaccine also aimed to reduce asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, thereby reducing the spread of transmission and making vaccines an important public health tool in the fight against the pandemic.
“This premise is still intact,” says Gottlieb. “But what we are seeing with the Delta variant is that it is diminished. There is more evidence that people are likely to spread the Delta variant even after vaccination than they were likely to spread. other variations. But it’s still a very small percentage of people. “
The Delta variant, scientifically known as B.1.617.2, can spread more easily than other variants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Last week, the agency released sobering data indicating that those vaccinated could still spread the Delta variant. The study found that three-quarters of new cases in a recent outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts were among those who were fully vaccinated.
The CDC said the discovery that fully vaccinated people can also spread the virus is what prompted the agency to quickly change the mask guidelines last week.
“We know he [are] more people with this Delta variant who have been vaccinated who are probably spreading the infection, “Gottlieb said.” But it’s still a very small percentage of people who get infected after vaccination and who will then spread the infection. to others. ”
Thursday, President Biden announcement a number of new steps the administration will take to boost the country’s vaccination campaign, including a new requirement that all federal employees must provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to strict protocols and tests. Mr Biden also called on state and local governments to redirect unused COVID-19 relief money to provide $ 100 incentives to newly vaccinated.
Gottlieb said those who are vaccinated and may come in contact with young children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems should be aware of putting others at risk and spreading the virus.
“We need to recognize, especially for vaccinated people who might be in contact with young children, with elderly people at risk, that there is a risk that they will develop a mild or asymptomatic infection and continue to pass it on to other people. ‘others, “he said.
[ad_2]
Source link