Effective vaccines against the Delta variant

COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalizations and emergency room visits caused by the Delta variant, according to data from a national study. These data also indicate that Moderna’s vaccine is significantly more effective against Delta than Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

“These real-world data show that vaccines remain very effective in reducing hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to COVID-19, even in the presence of the new variant of COVID-19,” said the author of study Shaun Grannis, MD, MS, Regenstrief Institute vice president for data and analysis and professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. “We strongly recommend vaccination to all who are eligible to reduce serious disease and ease the burden on our health care system.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) VISION network analyzed more than 32,000 medical encounters in nine states in June, July, and August 2021, when the Delta variant became the predominant strain. The results showed that unvaccinated people with COVID-19 are 5 to 7 times more likely to need emergency care or hospitalization, similar to the overall effectiveness before the variant.

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report study is also the first VISION network analysis to show a marked difference between the efficacy of mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer). During the study period:

• Moderna was 95% effective in preventing hospitalizations in adults 18 years of age and older.
• Pfizer was 80 percent effective in preventing hospitalizations in adults 18 years of age and older.
• Johnson & Johnson was 60% effective in preventing hospitalizations in adults aged 18 and over.

The study also found that the vaccine’s efficacy is lower in people 75 years of age and older, which has not been shown in previous research. This could be due to a range of factors, including the increased time since vaccination.

With regard to the prevention of emergency room visits and emergency care, the analysis showed that:

• Moderna was 92 percent effective.
• Pfizer was 77 percent effective.
• Johnson & Johnson was 65% effective.

Scientists say these findings require further monitoring and evaluation.

“Despite the differences in effectiveness, vaccines continue to offer much more protection than none at all,” said Dr Grannis. “Although revolutionary cases are occurring, the data shows that the symptoms are less severe. The vast majority of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to occur among unvaccinated people. COVID-19 vaccines are powerful tools in the fight against the pandemic. ”