AZ Vaccine: Proven to be effective against Delta and Kappa variants

COVID-19 vaccines made by AstraZeneca and the Pfizer-BioNTech alliance remain broadly effective against Delta and Kappa variants of the COVID-19 causing virus, which were first identified in India, according to a scientific study, underpinning a continued push to deliver the shots.

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Delta and Kappa variants were first discovered in India. (Photo / Retrieved from Agence France-Presse AFP) 

According to foreign media reports, both the Delta and Kappa variants were first discovered in India. Delta (B.1.617.2) is listed as one of the "Variants of Concerns" by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) is listed as one of the "Variants of Interest". WHO officials warned the public on June 16 that the Delta variant has spread to more than 80 countries worldwide and continues to mutate. Some reports stated that the Delta variant is not only more infectious but also causes more severe symptoms.

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2 doses of the AZ vaccine are effective against the Delta and Kappa variants. (Photo / Retrieved from European Pressphoto Agency EPA) 

The study by Oxford University researchers, published in the journal Cell, investigated the ability of antibodies in the blood from people, who were vaccinated with the two-shot regimens, to neutralize the highly contagious Delta and Kappa variants, a statement said.

An analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that vaccines made by Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90% against hospitalization from the Delta variant.