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A Recent Study Found Covaxin Effective Against Delta Plus Variant

The Delta variant of COVID-19 was detected back in April 2021 in India. It was particularly dominant in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. As a result, government regulations have tightened the restrictions and in many parts of these states, lockdowns have been observed in the last 2 months. 

There was widespread scepticism regarding the efficacy of the Covaxin and Covishield vaccines against this new variant. However, a recent study has revealed that Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is indeed quite effective against the new Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus.

The premise for this study

Covaxin, which is essentially a whole-virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, was found to be effective against the earlier Delta variant. Even during the second wave, which was mainly caused by the Delta variant, this vaccine proved to be 65.2% effective in protecting vaccinated people from the virus. Studies had been conducted in a double-blind, randomized and multicentre phase 3 clinical trial which had shown that the mass inoculation drives using Covaxin had been highly effective in controlling the spread of the earlier Delta variant.

How effective is Covaxin against the Delta variant? 

Since Covaxin had earlier proven effective against the Delta variant, it is highly possible that it has a similar potency against the Delta Plus variant. The recent study in question was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research and has been recently published in the online research repository known as bioRxiv. The study stated that the natively developed Covaxin of India has been deemed effective against the Delta Plus variant. It concluded that Covaxin has shown 77.8% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 which is a phenomenal breakthrough discovery since this gets one step further in flattening the curve.

What does this mean to the COVID-19 infection rate in India?

Since there has been great confusion regarding the extent to which Covaxin can be effective against this new variant, this study has shed light on certain facts and helped put many vaccinated people at ease. It was earlier speculated that the Delta Plus variant, which contains a mutation of the K417N spike protein can probably escape the immune response generated by the vaccines. Virologists and doctors were anxious that this new variant could surpass the effect of antibody response, thereby rendering Covaxin ineffective. However, with this new study, vaccinations using Covaxin can continue throughout the country as it shows a modest level of efficacy against the Delta Plus variant as well.

Covaxin vs Covishield – which one is more effective?

While the efficacy of Covaxin against the original variant of COVID-19 was reported to be 81%, that of the Covishield was reported to be 90%. As a result, many preferred the latter over the former homegrown vaccine. However, with the emergence of new variants like the Delta and the Delta Plus, it is seen that the effectiveness of both Covaxin and Covishield have been reduced.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that AstraZeneca’s Covishield, which has similar properties to that of Covaxin, is 67% effective against the new Delta and Delta Plus variants. In comparison, India’s very own Covaxin is about 65.2% effective, meaning there is not much difference between the efficacy of both.

The effect on those already Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccinations have been faced with mixed reactions from people along with typical rumours of being a placebo. However, such is usually the case with any medical or scientific breakthrough in its initial stages. As someone who has already been vaccinated, you must remember that these vaccines have undergone extensive human trials by now and new studies are being published frequently about their increased efficacy. Therefore, if you have already been vaccinated, you can rest assured that your vaccination has not been in vain.

Another factor to consider is the protection that vaccines offer despite not having a 100% prevention rate. As late as Jan 2022, vaccines were shown that not only do all vaccinations provide protection against severe symptomatic disease, it also protects against hospitalisation for Covid-19. In turn, several studies have shown that hospitalisation and death rates from Covid-19 are much lower in those who are vaccinated vs those who aren’t. Additional data coming in also shows that a booster shot (a third shot of the vaccination) also adds to this type of protection.

Conclusion

Even though these new studies have proven that Covaxin or any other COVID-19 vaccine for that matter, provide a decent amount of protection against the virus, none of them has 100% efficacy. Therefore, it is important that despite being vaccinated, we still follow all necessary COVID-19 protocols in order to prevent any future waves of this virus.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Delta Plus Variant Of Coronavirus – Why Is It The Worst Variant Till Date?

With a steep drop in the number of Coronavirus cases across India, people have started to feel that the tragedy is finally over. But unfortunately, when we have started going out again, a new variant of the virus – Delta Plus – has emerged, posing a bigger threat to mankind.

The Delta Plus variant is the mutated version of the Delta variant, which was already spreading across India.  

How much has it spread?

So far, India has recorded 49 cases of Delta+ variant across 12 states of the country. Maharashtra is once again the worst-hit state with the maximum number of cases. Notably, the Delta Plus variant has already broken into 85 countries across the world and is one of the biggest reasons behind the surge in infection in South Africa.

Why should we worry about the Delta Plus variant?

The Delta+ variant, also referred to as AY.1 is about 60% more contagious than the previous version – the Delta variant. It is more dangerous for the lungs of the patients as it binds even more easily with the lung cells.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that there have been two graded mutations in the Delta variant, which already was the most dominant strain of coronavirus in India till date.

ICMR has also stated that these mutations have increased the transmission capability of the variant and now it will spread from one person to another even more quickly. These mutations have also made it much easier for the virus to get into the cells of a patient.

The biggest reason to be worried is that the experts of epidemiology and communicable diseases have claimed Delta Plus to be the most dangerous mutation of coronavirus till now.

How to trace the Delta Plus variant?

The top virologists of the country have confirmed that the Delta Plus variant shows the symptoms of both, the delta variant and beta variant. Have a look at the symptoms:

The delta pus variant may also cause symptoms like nausea, stomach ache and loss of appetite.

How can we prevent it?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already notified the Delta variant of Coronavirus as a cause of concern for the world. WHO has also made it very clear that similar to the previous variants of COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask while going out and following the norms of social distancing are essential to prevent the Delta Plus variant of the virus.

Here are the measures you should take to prevent the Delta Plus variant from infecting you and your loved ones:

The important thing about delta plus variant is, it is 50% more contagious and faster spreading than other variants and it has a propensity for what is called a HYPERLOCAL outbreaks.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Treatment of Delta Plus Variant

There are no sure-shot ways of treatment to treat Delta Plus variant infection as of yet. Usually, doctors use antibodies to treat this variant too. The best way to ensure the safety of your loved ones and yourself is to get vaccinated. As per the experts, none of the existing treatment courses have been found effective against this variant so far.

Although the delta variant is more contagious and spreads rapidly, it is rarely linked to severe infections in hospitalised patients, you may usually start showing symptoms within 4 days of getting infected with the delta variant of Covid

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Takeaway

With the Delta Plus variant spreading its wings across India, we once again find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation where we may have to face another lockdown, shortage of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, life-saving medications and whatnot. If we really don’t want to repeat that horrible episode we saw about a month ago, we must ensure to follow all the protocols established by the government. Let’s pledge that this time, we would not let any of our loved ones die just because of our careless behaviour.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Can COVID-19 Vaccines Combat The Newly Emerged Delta Variant?

Introduction

With the pandemic still rampant across the country, it does appear to us that it may take a long time due to emerging multiples of virus variants. Some of these variants are silent mutations and are not effective, while the others, like the latest COVID Delta variant B.1.617.2, are increasing the severity of the COVID-19 spread in India. Scientists say that the sudden surge in the COVID-19 cases is because of the additional mutations in B.1.617.2 lineage, leading to a Delta plus variant (AY.1).

The COVID Delta variant was first detected in India and is now a Variant of Concern (VoC) for about 85 countries. The Delta variant is the dominant strain in the UK, comprising 91% of the cases. The Delta plus variant is present in 12 countries and so far 50 cases have been identified in 12 Indian states. According to the statement released by the Union Health Ministry, the COVID Delta plus variant has characteristics like increased transmissibility, stronger binding to lung receptors and decreased monoclonal antibody production.  

Although there is a substantial decline in effectiveness, the approved COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against infection and hospitalization due to the Delta variant.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Delta Variant and Vaccine concern

All the experts worldwide are confident that most of the existing vaccines can deal with the new COVID Delta variant. Although it is 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant, they have observed only around 50 cases of the new variant in the last two months. So, experts opine that there is no need to panic but suggest scaling up vaccination drives across the countries as it is the only practical way to combat the Coronavirus. 

Scientists are concerned about the effects because of the mutation on the spike protein of the Delta plus variant. In India, the spread of the COVID Delta variant infection is localised and sporadic. However, it mainly spreads to the unvaccinated populations and it affects the most vulnerable individuals who suffer severe illness and have chronic infections. 

Most of the vaccines developed are active against the alpha strand of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy is a concern for the Delta variant, which has led to the public being apprehensive about getting vaccinated. The effectiveness of vaccines, which was up to 94% for the alpha variants, has been reduced to about 60% – 70% for Delta variants. Moreover, the clinical trials of the Novavax vaccine and Sputnik V vaccine are still in process for the Delta variant.

How effective are the existing vaccines against the Delta variant?

The Delta variant is more resistant to existing vaccines than other COVID-19 variants. It is estimated that the Delta variant may present mild illness in people who received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the research data published in Lancet, two weeks after the second dose, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – Covishield in India – is showing 60% efficacy against the Delta type while the Pfizer/BioNTech seems to be around 88%.  

The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were only 33% effective three weeks after the first dose against the Delta variant. The Covaxin of Bharat BioTech, Sputnik V and Novavax vaccines were also reported to be effective against the Delta variant but it is not known to what extent. Other studies by Public Health England (PHE) suggest that the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine has shown 94% effectiveness after hospital administration of one dose and 96% after the second dose. The Covishield vaccine efficacy was 71% and 92%, respectively.  

Why is it hard to decide the most influential vaccine?

Despite the various COVID-19 vaccines in the market, it takes time to decide the best among them. Efficacy is usually denoted as the percentage reduction of the disease in people who received the vaccination, whereas the effectiveness can be compared after administering different vaccines to the same populations. For instance, Pfizer and AstraZeneca have similar effectiveness and they reliably prevent COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalisation and death even after a single dose. 

Regardless of the statistical figures, the studies and the clinical trials are ongoing to determine the existing COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy against the COVID Delta variant. Researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have cultured the COVID Delta variant and are now testing in the laboratory to check the performance of the COVID-19 vaccines against the Delta variant. Though researchers test a range of doses, schedules and combinations of vaccines, it is sometimes difficult to conclude how long the vaccine-mediated immunity will last. 

It is not simply possible to compare the results alone. In order to rank the vaccines, one must consider their reported effectiveness, supplies and logistics costs, the durability of the protection they offer and their ability to resist emerging viral variants. Nevertheless, the best vaccine is the one you can get immediately. 

Conclusion

The global pandemic is emerging with distinct viral variants of concern. Mutations that alter immunogenicity, virulence and pathogenicity can lead to the new strain. As new strains emerge because of coronavirus mutations, the only reliable measure to stay safe is to get vaccinated and follow COVID appropriate behaviour.

There have been cases in India wherein fully vaccinated individuals were affected by the COVID-19 Delta variant. But the majority of these individuals were able to make full recovery. Therefore, vaccination protects to an extent. 

Getting both shots of the vaccine and maintaining social distancing not only ensures your safety but prevents the creation of new strains through mutation as well.  

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.