UAE doctors have assured that despite Delta variant being a “variant of concern”, panic is not required. It is because the Covid-19 vaccines have been found to be effective against all strains of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus infection. The Delta strain is highly infectious and can be transmitted easily, making it to be a variant of concern.

Doctors have advised that vaccination is the best solution to stay protected from the viral infection.

Dr Anjali Bantwal, specialist anatomic and clinical pathology at Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Dubai said, “According to recent studies conducted in the United Kingdom, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine seems to be 88 per cent effective against the Delta variant two weeks after the second dose. However, as its effectiveness reduces three weeks after the first dose, it is important to get both doses. Studies are underway to validate the efficacy of China's Sinopharm against the Delta variant and the need for booster shots.” She cited the United States’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that Delta variant is highly contagious and neutralizes antibodies.

“While UAE residents need to be cautious about the Delta variant, there is no need for panic," said Dr Bantwal. "The best way to protect yourself from the Delta variant is to get fully vaccinated at the earliest. To bolster immunity, one must strictly follow protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and washing hands frequently.” 

Dr Anthony Fauci, American physician-scientist and immunologist, and chief medical advisor to the US President Joe Biden, recently said that Covid-19 vaccines being used in US against the coronavirus "are working very well" and provide protection against the Delta variant.

Earlier this week, Dr Fauci said, “The vaccine works. It's free. It's safe. It's easy. And it's convenient.”

Vaccines reduce mortality effectively

Dr Ravi Arora, internal medicine specialist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, has advocated mass vaccination to ensure zero mortality.

“All Covid-19 vaccines in the UAE do work against the Delta variant. Most vaccines have seen a significant reduction in mortality [the primary intent of any vaccine]. As a result, mass vaccination remains a priority in view of increased infectivity of variants,” he said.

Dr Arora said, for virus to die its transmission needs to be stopped by maintaining social distancing, ensuring sanitisation and hygiene, and an aggressive mass vaccination drive. “This is exactly what all countries are aiming to achieve. The UAE has led by example for the world to follow suit,” he added. 

Dr Wasim Kadri, specialist internal medicine at Prime Medical Center, Sharjah said, “Although the Delta variant is a highly infectious strain and it is fast becoming dominant in most of the countries, the low mortality and the rate of hospitalisation in many countries amongst vaccinated individuals has again proven the need for accelerating vaccination programmes. As per the available data, the UAE is one of the highest vaccinated countries, which reflects in the steadily decreasing number of daily cases.”

He urged the public to take advantage of the mass vaccination campaign rolled out by the UAE Government.

“All those eligible should take the vaccine as soon as possible. Wear masks and follow the social distancing guidelines to keep yourself, your family and the community safe,” he added.