The B.1.617.2 COVID-19 variant has contributed to the surge in cases in India and has now been detected across the globe, including a notable increase in cases in the UK. A preprint study published by medrxiv noted the following:

Overall, we found high levels of vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease after two doses. These estimates were only modestly lower than vaccine effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. It is likely that vaccine effectiveness against more severe disease outcomes will be greater. Our findings would support maximizing vaccine uptake with two doses among vulnerable groups in the context of circulation of B.1.617.2. After 2 doses of either vaccine, there were only modest differences in vaccine effectiveness with the B.1.617.2 variant. Absolute differences in vaccine effectiveness were more marked with dose 1.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the B.1.617.2 variant

If you haven’t been vaccinated, it might be time to think about it. If you don’t want to be vaccinated, please continue to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines regarding mask-wearing and social distancing. Stay informed, stay well and stay tuned!