The Pfizer BioNTech Vaccine and its Impact On the Delta COVID-19 Variant

While the further threat of contagion caused by the second-wave of COVID-19 may be regressing, the gradual emergence of variant strains of this virus have begun to be registered across numerous nations worldwide. None more so than the Delta variant. Going by information presented by Israeli website Ynet, there are pros and cons to being inoculated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. This vaccine is one of three that have received approval for usage in the United States. The initial efficacy rate of this given vaccine against prior variants stood at 98.2% However, data published by the Israel Health Ministry between the 6th of June and 3rd of July, 2021, indicate that the vaccine now has an efficacy rate of 93% against the Delta variant.

While that may sound great, the bad news comes in the form of this vaccine now possessing an efficacy rate of just 64%, with respect to preventing overall infection. What this implies is that, even if an individual were to be completely vaccinated (i.e., have had both their required doses administered), they could still potentially catch this virus and exhibit corresponding symptoms. That has always been the case, however, the Delta variant of this virus increases the likelihood of that outcome.

The silver lining to this is that being inoculated greatly lowers an individual’s chances of being hospitalized, if at least not developing life-threatening symptoms as a result of being infected with this virus. The Delta variant of this virus is steadily gaining prominence as the dominant strain, with a growing number of cases being reported each day across the world. The third-anticipated wave of this pandemic is almost upon us, and healthcare facilities worldwide are bracing for an even more strenuous phase that is sure to leave these healthcare systems worse for wear.