Dr. Anthony Fauci: Reinfections more common with delta variant
So-called breakthrough infections of people who are fully vaccinated have become a major concern in the battle against COVID-19, especially after the CDC revealed last week that new studies show those people can transmit the virus.
Perhaps more worrisome could be evidence that those who have had COVID already might not be as protected as they believe.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, said that as of July 26 the CDC had received 6,587 reports of breakthrough infections that resulted in hospitalizations or deaths out of 163 million fully vaccinated Americans – or one in about 25,000 instances.
“No vaccine is 100% effective, so you can expect breakthrough infections,’’ Fauci said. “Most of these infections are going to be asymptomatic or mild.’’
Fauci also said people who have been infected should still get the vaccine to add a stronger layer of protection, because the delta variant is producing more reinfections.
“The protection you get from the original infection still exists somewhat,’’ Fauci said, “but reinfections occur at a much greater rate among individuals now than they did against the original (strain).’’