Delta (VOC-21APR-02) Covid-19 variant now dominant in the UK
Latest data shows cases of the Delta variant have risen by 5,472 since last week to 12,431. Despite regional variation, it is now considered the dominant variant, with early evidence to suggest an increased risk of hospitalisation compared to the Alpha (‘Kent’) variant.
Source:
Public Health England
SPS commentary:
The latest risk assessment notes that both English and Scottish analyses continue to support the finding of reduced vaccine effectiveness for Delta compared to Alpha (increased to high confidence). This is more pronounced after one dose (15-20% absolute reduction in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection); effectiveness is higher after two doses but there is still a reduction. There is insufficient data to assess vaccine effectiveness against severe disease. Early data from both England and Scotland suggest an increased risk of hospitalisation with Delta compared to Alpha; confirmatory analyses are however required.