Coronavirus vaccines are "highly effective" in preventing hospital admission with the Delta variant of the disease, according to new data from Public Health England (PHE). The findings suggest that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96 percent effective against hospitalization after two doses while the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 percent effective against hospitalization after both doses. 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, PHE said in a statement. The analysis included 14,019 cases of the Delta variant —166 of whom were hospitalized — between April 12 and June 4, looking at emergency hospital admissions in England. Public Health England (PHE) has previously published an analysis showing that one dose is 17 percent less effective at preventing symptomatic illness from the Delta variant, compared to Alpha, but there is only a small difference after two doses. Commenting on the new findings, UK 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 two doses against variants shows just how crucial it is to get your second jab." Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at PHE, said: "These hugely important findings confirm that the vaccines offer significant protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant." "It is absolutely vital to get both doses as soon as they are offered to you, to gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants," he added. Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: "It is extremely encouraging to see today's research showing that vaccines are continuing to help break the link between hospitalization and the Delta variant after one dose, and particularly the high effectiveness of two doses. "If you're getting the call to bring forward your second dose appointment — do not delay — get the second 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 May 30.
