Initially detected in India in December last year, the CDC has declared that the Delta variant (B.1.617.2.) can now be found in over 60 countries. The Delta variant appears to have a relatively higher transmissible rate and continues to delay progress combatting the pandemic worldwide. A UK study, that was referenced by the Biden administration, found that the first dose of Pfizer alone only provides around 33% of protection against the variant. Now the dominant variant in the UK, as much as 90% of total cases, White House medical advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, raised concern this past week stressing the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly the referring to second doses. Facui stated that the Delta variant accounts for at least 6% of cases in the US but this percentage is likely higher due to the lack of coronavirus variant tracking in the US. Although the study did not reference the Moderna vaccine, Fauci did note that the first dose of Moderna would have the same effectiveness as the first dose of Pfizer against the Delta variant.
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