Amid the emergence of 'Delta ' variant of the novel coronavius, creating a fear in minds of many, according to a recent study it has been found that Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccines remain broadly effective against Delta and Kappa variants of the Covid-19 causing virus.
The study conducted by the Oxford University researchers investigated the ability of antibodies in the blood from people, who were vaccinated with the two-shot regimens, to neutralise the highly contagious Delta and Kappa variants, a statement said.
Referring to the Delta and Kappa variants by a commonly used code, the paper said, "There is no evidence of widespread escape suggesting that the current generation of vaccines will provide protection against the B.1.617 lineage." However, the researchers cautioned that the concentration of neutralising antibodies in the blood was somewhat reduced, which may lead to some breakthrough infections.
Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90 per cent against hospitalization from the Delta variant.
While, the Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on June 19.
The Oxford researchers also analysed reinfection patterns in people who had previously had Covid-19. The risk of reinfection with the Delta variant appeared particularly high in individuals previously infected by the Beta and Gamma lineages that emerged in South Africa and Brazil, respectively.
AstraZeneca on Wdnesday said new data from Public Health England (PHE) demonstrated COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, offers high levels of protection against the Delta variant (B.1.617.2; formerly the 'Indian variant).
AstraZeneca vaccine is used in India as Covishield. Real world data from PHE, demonstrated two doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are 92% effective against hospitalisation due to the Delta variant and showed no deaths among those vaccinated.
