What We Know about the Delta Variant so far
You’ve probably heard by now about the Delta variant, a highly contagious strain of COVID-19. In just a few months, it has quickly become the dominant variant in the United States — and it’s causing a national rise in new infections and hospitalizations.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Delta variant and staying protected.
Unvaccinated people are at higher risk of getting COVID-19 now than they were before Delta appeared.
You’ve probably heard by now about the Delta variant, a highly contagious strain of COVID-19. In just a few months, it has quickly become the dominant variant in the United States — and it’s causing a national rise in new infections and hospitalizations.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Delta variant and staying protected.
Unvaccinated people are at higher risk of getting COVID-19 now than they were before Delta appeared.
- More young people are getting sick with Delta compared with earlier variants. 1
- Delta variant symptoms are the same as other versions of COVID-19. However, Delta may be causing people to get sicker faster, including younger people.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others against Delta. Even in the rare case that you do get infected, the vaccine will likely prevent you from becoming seriously ill.
- A small number of fully vaccinated people have become infected with the Delta variant. Their symptoms tend to be mild, but it’s still possible to spread the virus to others. 2
- Fully vaccinated people don’t need a vaccine booster at this time — as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 3
- Everyone should continue wearing masks in crowded settings and public indoor spaces — including fully vaccinated people, especially in areas of high transmission. 2 Masks are still required in all Kaiser Permanente facilities, and federal, state, and local regulations still apply, including business and workplace guidance. Washing your hands, staying physically distanced, and avoiding large gatherings will also help lower your risk of catching or spreading the Delta variant.
For more information on the Delta variant, how to get vaccinated, and what else you can do to protect yourself, visit kp.org . You can also call our 24/7 KP COVID Vaccine InfoLine at 1‑855‑550‑0951 (available in English and Spanish) for regular recorded updates.
1. “Science Brief: COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov , July 27, 2021.
2. “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov , accessed July 27, 2021.
3. “Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov , accessed August 4, 2021.
