Understanding the Effectiveness of Vaccines Against Delta Plus COVD-19

Introduction

The global community continues to grapple with the evolving nature of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) family, with the Delta Plus variant being one of the latest concerns. Despite the emergence of new strains, the good news is that current vaccines provide significant protection against serious outcomes. This article delves into the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, against the Delta Plus variant.

How Vaccines Work

The Delta Plus variant, or the variant of concern with BA.2.12.1 lineage, incorporates additional mutations compared to its predecessor, the Delta variant. However, major vaccine manufacturers have claimed that their vaccines are effective against all variants of the coronavirus, including Delta Plus. This claim is based on the fundamental principle that vaccines are designed to trigger the production of antibodies that target specific antigens.

Antigenic Response and Immunity

Technically, the vaccine designed from the Delta Plus variant's antigen would be effective. If a vaccine is developed based on the Delta variant's antigen, it may offer some level of protection, albeit potentially less than a vaccine targeting the Delta Plus variant itself. Regardless of the specific vaccine, individuals who have not been vaccinated are more at risk of developing severe symptoms and potentially requiring medical care.

Natural Infection and Antibody Response

It's important to note that people who do not have any pre-existing health issues can still develop antibodies against the virus. Those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious infections and may require medical intervention. Studies have shown that the recovery rate is generally higher in cases that receive prompt and proper medical treatment.

Vaccine-Induced Antibodies and Protection

The primary defense mechanism against any viral infection, including SARS-CoV-2, is the body's production of antibodies. Higher levels of antibodies mean a lower likelihood of the infection leading to severe disease or hospitalization. Vaccines and natural infections both induce the body to produce pathogen-specific antibodies. However, antibody levels decline over time, with the decline rate varying significantly among individuals.

MRNA vaccines, which have gained widespread use, tend to produce a higher initial antibody response compared to other types of vaccines. Following a natural infection, a single mRNA vaccine dose is often more effective than multiple vaccine doses alone. Despite the decrease in antibody levels over time, vaccines still provide excellent protection against hospitalization and death.

Choosing a Vaccine

While any vaccine can offer significant protection, mRNA vaccines are generally considered the gold standard due to their higher initial antibody response and better overall protection. In regions where multiple vaccine options are available, such as Thailand, the choice of vaccine can depend on availability and personal circumstances. For instance, if you have a choice and can wait, an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer (Pfizer-BioNTech) or Moderna might be preferable. However, given the increasing infection rates and your own personal risk profile, it may be better to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, as in the case with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Conclusion

In summary, vaccines are a crucial tool in mitigating the impact of the Delta Plus variant. They provide significant protection against serious disease, hospitalization, and death. While it's true that vaccine-induced immunity may decline over time, current vaccines remain highly effective. Therefore, getting vaccinated is strongly recommended, and choosing an mRNA vaccine offers the best protection against the evolving nature of the virus.