What Vaccines Are Effective Against The Delta Variant? | Affinity Health

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality, low-cost medical insurance – takes a look at how effective the current vaccines are at protecting against the Delta variant.

What is the Delta Variant?

Just as we were all starting to feel cautiously optimistic that Covid-19 was under control, a new virus mutation hit the headlines.

According to CDC, Delta, a highly contagious (and possibly more severe) SARS-CoV-2 virus strain first identified in India in December, is currently a significant source of concern.

Referred to by scientists as B.1.617.2, Delta has spread quickly throughout the world and is now the dominant strain in South Africa.

According to experts, people who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus appear to be protected against Delta. Still, anyone who has not been fully vaccinated and is not using preventive strategies is at risk of infection by the new variant.

“This strain of the virus has been dubbed ‘the fastest and fittest’ by the World Health Organization (WHO),” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“As older age groups become vaccinated, those who are younger and unvaccinated are at a higher risk of contracting the Delta variant.”

While there’s still a lot to discover about Delta – how many people will contract the Delta variant and how quickly it will spread – many are asking whether the current vaccination rollout in South Africa is effective against the Delta variant.

Currently, the vaccine rollout is continuing at a reasonable speed with the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine.

According to current research, the vaccine is 96% effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation caused by the Delta variant after two doses.

The World Health Organization, however, reiterated that vaccines might offer less protection against symptomatic illness – rather than severe disease – caused by Delta compared to other variants.³

“The delta variant is rapidly gaining traction; it now accounts for the majority of new infections in South Africa,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“The most important tool we have against COVID-19 is the Covid-19 vaccination rollout. Thousands of lives have been saved as a result of their efforts. To gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants, you must take both doses as soon as they are offered to you.”

Stay Protected from COVID-19 by:

• • Registering to be vaccinated as soon as your age group is eligible. To register, click here. Vaccination is voluntary and no payment is required.
  • Protecting yourself and others by wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are out in public.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water. Using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn