COVID-19: Delta infection produces similar levels of virus regardless of vaccination status, early analysis suggests | UK news

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Early analysis suggests that coronavirus levels in people with the delta variant are similar regardless of whether or not they’ve been vaccinated — and it may have implications for infection.

Public Health England (PHE) said preliminary results indicated that “virus levels in those who have had delta after already vaccinated may be similar to levels found in unvaccinated people”.

“This could have repercussions on people’s infection, whether they are vaccinated or not,” she added.

She stressed that it was an “early exploratory analysis” and that more targeted studies were needed to confirm.

Ashish Joshi, Sky’s health reporter, said PHE’s language was cautionary with a number of caveats such as “early exploratory findings”.

But he said that if the results are confirmed, it could have “enormous implications for transmissibility” as “data has consistently shown that the vaccine slows down and should effectively stop the spread of the virus.”

Dr Simon Clark, professor of microbiology at the University of Reading, told Sky News the initial results were a “big deal”.

“We will need more studies to find a definitive answer,” he said.

“But if the vaccine only prevents transmission, say, 50% you’ll never get herd immunity even with 100% uptake of the vaccine.”

In its latest variety briefing, PHE said that the delta variant, which originated in India, is still prevalent in the UK and accounts for nearly 99% of cases.

New hospitalization data confirm once again that vaccines, while providing high levels of protection, are not 100% effective.

Of the newly admitted cases of the virus, 808 (55.1%) were not vaccinated, while 512 (34.9%) received two doses of the vaccine, according to PHE.

“We must also remember that vaccines do not eliminate all risks: it is still possible to become sick with COVID and infect others,” said Dr Jenny Harris, head of the UK’s Health Security Agency.

PHE also provided an update on the latest “alternative under investigation”.

VUI-21JUL-01, or B.1.621, was reported by the Health Authority on July 21 after apparently spreading to several countries and also producing mutations.

PHE said there were 37 confirmed cases in England by 4 August.

Cases were detected in six English regions, mostly in London.

“There is preliminary laboratory evidence to suggest that vaccination and prior infection may be less effective in preventing infection with VUI-21JUL-01,” PHE said.

“However, these data are very limited and further research is needed. There is no evidence to suggest that VUI-21JUL-01 is more transmissible than the dominant delta variant.”

PHE has currently identified four variables of concern (VOCs) and 10 variables under investigation (VUIs).

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