Recent evidence indicates that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines diminishes as time passes and in the context of the Delta variant’s spread. While being vaccinated significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and tends to result in milder symptoms if one contracts the virus, new data suggests that the efficacy of these vaccines may be waning.
Two studies from the CDC released this week provide insights into vaccine performance against the Delta variant. One study focused on individuals in Los Angeles who tested positive for COVID-19 from May 1 to July 25, 2021, revealing that 25.3% of cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals, while 3.3% were in partially vaccinated individuals, and a substantial 71.4% were among those unvaccinated.
Another report analyzing COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers found that from December 14, 2020, to April 10, 2021, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approximately 90% effective at preventing infection. However, in the wake of the Delta variant, this effectiveness has dropped to around 66%. In essence, while vaccines were 91% effective before the Delta variant emerged, they now show about 80% efficacy when adjusting for various factors.
To address this decline, booster doses are recommended eight months after the second dose. This new data has prompted the CDC and the White House to initiate a booster rollout starting September 20, 2021. They advise that anyone who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines should get a third dose eight months after their initial vaccination. Additionally, those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are also expected to require a booster, pending results from ongoing clinical trials.
Once the boosters are approved, priority will be given to nursing home residents, healthcare workers, and essential workers, followed by older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. It is recommended that people receive the same vaccine for their booster as they did previously.
“We are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease,” stated CDC Director Dr. Lisa Martinez and other health officials last week. “Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout.”
“The booster shot will enhance your immune response,” commented President Alex Johnson last week. “It will increase your protection from Covid-19.”
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In summary, recent CDC findings highlight that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines diminishes over time, particularly with the emergence of the Delta variant. The agency is responding with a booster shot recommendation to enhance immunity, especially for high-risk groups.