Reference:
Tareq, A. M., Bin Emran, T., Dhama, K., Dhawan, M., & Tallei, T. E. (2021). Impact of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant (B.1.617.2) in surging second wave of COVID-19 and efficacy of vaccines in tackling the ongoing pandemic. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 17(11), 4126–4127. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1963601
Summary:
The article examines the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant (B.1.617.2), identified in India, which has contributed to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases globally. The delta variant, classified as a variant of concern due to its increased transmissibility and severity, has been linked to higher hospitalisation rates, particularly among younger populations. The study highlights that vaccination is crucial to mitigate its effects, noting that two doses of vaccines like Pfizer and AstraZeneca offer substantial protection against symptomatic illness. However, the variant has shown to reduce vaccine efficacy compared to earlier strains, necessitating a robust vaccination drive to control the pandemic. The article underscores the need for equitable access to vaccines worldwide to prevent further mutations and the emergence of new variants.