How likely is it for fully vaccinated people to contract Delta variant?
The devastation caused by the second wave of coronavirus and the dangers posed by new emerging variants has left us all concerned and highlighted the importance of vaccination. With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the Delta variant as a Variant of Concern (VoC), several countries are bracing up and looking for ways to tackle a potential third wave.
However, while getting yourself vaccinated is the only way around to protect yourself, recent reports suggest that vaccinated individuals can still contract the Delta variant, be asymptomatic and also be spreaders.
Why is the Delta variant of coronavirus so concerning?
The Delta variant, scientifically termed as B.1.617.2 of the COVID-19 infections, carries the genetic code from two other mutations, E484Q and L452R, which helps it to break into the human immune system and invade the organs.
Additionally, as the new variants tend to alter the structure of the spike protein, it is more efficient in attaching itself to the human host cells and multiplies swiftly, doing more damage than an originally COVID strain.
With the help of genome sequencing and sample testing, the first case of Delta variant in India was discovered in the state of Maharashtra and is said to have driven the second wave of coronavirus.
How effective are COVID vaccines against the Delta variant?
Coronavirus vaccines were originally developed in respect to the original COVID strain that took over the world early last year.
That said, new emerging variants including the Delta variant with the help of new mutations, have the ability to surpass antibodies released by the vaccines, as per experts. Scientists have also raised concerns that the newer variants contain properties that helps them escape immune defences and assists them in evading vaccine driven protection as well as the protection provided by past COVID infections.
Are vaccinated people prone to Delta variant?
Amid growing risks of emerging variants, getting yourself vaccinated against COVID-19 is extremely important. But there have been reports that you may still be prone to contracting the Delta variant, even if you're fully vaccinated.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO chief scientist, said, “There are reports coming in that vaccinated populations have cases of infection, particularly with the Delta variant. The majority of these are mild or asymptomatic infections.”
She also added that the risk of hospitalisation are rising in some parts of the world, mostly where vaccination rates are low and the highly contagious delta variant is spreading
Can they be silent carriers?
According to Dr. Swaminathan, vaccinated individuals can still contract the disease and also transmit the virus to others, which is why she urges people to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
Additionally, in a recent interview, Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also said, "It's feasible that a fully vaccinated person can be an asymptomatic carrier of COVID, and potentially transmit the virus, including the more contagious delta variant."
Who is most at risk?
Experts believe that the Delta variant is the most dominant of all variants.
As of now, those who are young, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are at a greater risk of Delta variant infections.
While being fully vaccinated does not guarantee that you would contract the virus, it sure reduces risks of severe illness and hospitalization. That said, people who are not vaccinated, that is those below the age of 18 and some who are dealing with vaccine hesitation can be at risk.
Things people can do to protect themselves and others
Although fully vaccinated people are at lower risk of contracting severe illness, given the fact that you could still be a silent carrier, you need to follow all precautionary measures.
Wearing masks and practicing social distancing is extremely important and avoid visiting crowded areas with your kids or anyone with pre-existing comorbidities.
Practice good hand hygiene to steer clear of any lingering viruses on surfaces.