Official data in the United States shows that the country is in a much better position than it was six months ago in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, as infections and deaths have declined. These results highlight the effectiveness of vaccines approved in the U.S., according to experts, although their effectiveness may be limited when facing new, more aggressive variants. The current concern, according to CNN, is the "Delta" variant, which spreads easily and causes more severe illness compared to other strains, posing a significant worry for public health experts, particularly for those who have not been vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, the Delta variant was first identified in India in December 2020.
What makes it frightening compared to other strains is its high transmission rate; studies indicate that "the transmissibility of the Delta variant has increased by about 40-60%." Recent data from England also shows that the risk of hospitalization doubles after infection with the Delta variant (compared to the Alpha variant), especially for those with other health conditions. U.S. authorities report that the Delta variant has been found in 49 states as well as in Washington, D.C. According to the CDC, there is a low probability that vaccinated individuals will contract the new strains, and if infected, they may experience less severe symptoms.
However, the most important term is "fully vaccinated," as the second dose is crucial for full protection against variants. In a radio address, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky delivered a message to the American public: "Please get your second dose of the vaccine." She added, "What we know is that the first dose provides some protection, but the second dose really gives you greater protection against new variants like Delta and others." Currently, one in ten Americans has only received one dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
