FACT BRIEF

Has Israel found that the COVID-19 vaccine continues to work against the delta variant in preventing serious illness and hospitalizations?

Friday, July 23, 2021

By Stevie Rosignol-Cortez

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YES

Israel’s health ministry has noted that as the delta variant has become widespread, COVID-19 vaccines have shown a "marked decline in effectiveness" in preventing infections and symptomatic illness, down to 64%. But in a July 5 statement the ministry said the vaccines remain 93% effective at protecting against serious illness and hospitalization.

That view is consistent with the view of authorities at the World Health Organization, in the U.K. and in the U.S. In the U.S. the Centers for Disease Control says research looks reassuring, but it will continue to monitor the vaccines' efficacy.

All experts continue to urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated as the best protection against serious consequences or even death from contracting COVID-19.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Israel Ministry of Health Decline in vaccine effectiveness against infection and symptomatic illness

GOV.UK Vaccines highly effective against hospitalization from delta variant

World Health Organization Do the vaccines protect against the variants?

Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 vaccines work

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