ToplineAccording to a new study by Imperial College London researchers, people who have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are half the likely to contract the coronavirus. However, scientists warn that a new vaccine against the infectious delta variant could be necessary to counter concerns about vaccine efficacy.A study by... [+] found that people who have been fully vaccinated are half as likely as those who are not. gettyThe Key FactsThe REACT study revealed that three times more people who were not vaccinated tested positive for Covid-19 than the ones who were vaccinated. All positive samples were analyzed and found to be infected with the delta Covid-19 variant. After considering all other factors, the study which was based on over 98,000 swab test results and has not been peer reviewed, shows that full vaccination reduces the chance of contracting Covid-19. The researchers found that people infected by the virus who had been fully vaccinated suffered less severe illness and were more likely to transmit the virus to others. Paul Elliott, the director of the research program that conducted the study, stated that the results confirm previous data that both vaccines offer protection against infection. However, they also found that fully vaccinated people with the virus had less severe illness than those who were not vaccinated. They also showed a lower level of virus in their samples, which could indicate that they are less likely to transmit the virus on to others. This is in line with data from Israel, and far below previous estimates. The researchers suggested that vaccines for delta might be developed due to the decreased effectiveness of existing vaccines against this strain. They also warned that high doses of vaccination may not be enough to prevent it from spreading in the fall.Big NumberOne in 26. Researchers found that this is the risk of contracting Covid-19 from contact with infected individuals who are fully vaccinated. This compares to the one in 13 chance of being infected with Covid-19 for those who are not vaccinated.Important BackgroundResearchers believe that the new wave in cases is being driven by unvaccinated youth and the infectious Delta variant. This trend is also evident in the U.S. The high vaccination rates in the country may have contributed to a possible decoupling of infection, severe illness, and death. In the face of some of the highest rates of infection in the world, the government decided to lift almost all social restrictions from July 19. Experts warn that the virus could spread unchecked and pose a risk of long-term Covid. Although they can be debilitating, the long-term effects of infection may not be related to how severe an initial infection was. However, recent evidence suggests that they are less common in children.What we don't knowThis study found that fully vaccinated individuals infected with the virus have lower viral loads, which correlates with lower risk of spreading the virus to others. The CDC has recently discovered that vaccinated individuals may be as infectious as those who are not vaccinated. However, further research is needed to resolve the issue. The CDC suggests that even fully vaccinated people wear masks at certain locations to reduce the chance of getting infected.TangentUnvaccinated Americans are responsible for the spread of Covid-19, even though there is evidence to support this. A recent poll shows that only 5% of those vaccinated feel guilty. In recent months, opposition to vaccination has not changed much. Some employers now require vaccines from their employees to increase the number of those who have fallen.Continue readingThe majority of unvaccinated Americans don't feel responsible for the soaring number of covid cases. A poll suggests that this is what they blame (Forbes).Pfizer's Delta Infection Shot was only 39% effective, but largely prevents severe illness, an Israel Study suggests (Forbes).Johnson & Johnson Vaccine is Far Less Effective Against Delta Variant. Study suggests (Forbes).REACT-1 round 13 Final Report: Exponential growth, high prevalence SARS-CoV-2Effectiveness of the vaccine against Delta variant in England, May to July2021 (REACT Study).Live updates and coverage of the Coronavirus
