Workers' Compensation: Vaccines highly effective against hospitalization from Delta variant

An encouraging analysis by PHE shows for the first time that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalization from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Unfortunately, those who aren’t vaccinated face increased risk.

It is anticipated that employers will be considering this study evaluating a return to work scenario and mandated vaccination programs.

The analysis suggests:

· the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective against hospitalization after two doses

· the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalization after two doses

These are comparable with vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization from the Alpha variant.

Further work remains underway to establish the level of protection against mortality from the Delta variant. However, as with other variants, this is expected to be high.

The analysis included 14,019 cases of the Delta variant – 166 hospitalized – between 12 April and 4 June, looking at emergency hospital admissions in England.

Public Health England (PHE) has previously published an analysis showing that one dose is 17% less effective at preventing symptomatic illness from the Delta variant than Alpha. Still, there is only a tiny difference after two doses.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

Our UK vaccination program continues at pace and has already saved thousands of lives. It is our way out of this pandemic.

This evidence of the effectiveness of 2 doses against variants shows just how crucial it is to get your second jab.

If you have had your first dose but haven’t booked your second yet – please do so. It will help save lives and boost us on the road to recovery.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunization at PHE, said:

These hugely essential findings confirm that the vaccines offer significant protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant.

The vaccines are an essential tool we have against COVID-19. Thousands of lives have already been saved because of them.

It is vital to get both doses as soon as they are offered to you to gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said:

It is highly encouraging to see today’s research showing that vaccines continue to help break the link between hospitalization and the Delta variant after one dose, particularly the high effectiveness of 2 doses.

If you’re getting the call to bring forward your second dose appointment – do not delay – get the double jab so you can benefit from the fullest possible protection.

Separate PHE analysis indicates that the COVID-19 vaccination program has so far prevented 14,000 deaths and around 42,000 hospitalizations in older people in England, up to 30 May.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against hospital admission with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, Public Health England, June 14, 2021.

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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com has been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses. 

Blog: Workers ' Compensation

Twitter: jongelman