Trevor James
The COVID-19 vaccines have been found to offer protection against the Delta variant of the virus. While no vaccine can provide 100% protection against the coronavirus, studies have shown that the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna vaccines are effective in protecting against COVID-19 infection, illness, hospitalization, severe illness, and death due to the Delta variant. The effectiveness of the vaccines varies with age, time since vaccination, and the number of doses received, and it is important to continue following public health guidelines even after vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccines that protect against the Delta variant | BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson |
| Effectiveness of BioNTech-Pfizer | 64% effective in preventing infection, 93% effective in preventing serious infection with hospitalization |
| Effectiveness of Moderna | 72% effective 14 days after the first dose, 86% effective in preventing infection, 91.6% effective in preventing hospitalization |
| Effectiveness of AstraZeneca | 71% effective after the first vaccination, 92% after the second, 60% effective against the Delta variant |
| Effectiveness of Johnson & Johnson | Produces antibodies against the Delta variant |
| Effectiveness of two doses | More effective than a single dose |
| Effectiveness over time | Decreases over time, but is still at least as effective as the protection afforded by a previous natural infection |
| Effectiveness by age | Lowest in age groups above 70 years old |
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What You'll Learn
Effectiveness of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine
Vaccines are designed to protect against severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. None of the approved vaccines provide 100% protection against a coronavirus infection. However, they do significantly reduce the risk of transmission and the length of time a person is infectious.
The BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine has been available since December 2020 and has been approved for people 16 and older. The initial course consists of two doses, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending an interval of three to four weeks between doses. Delaying the second dose by up to twelve weeks increases immunogenicity against all variants of concern.
According to a study published in the journal Nature, two doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine continue to protect against the delta variant. The effectiveness against infection has been rated at 64%, while the vaccine protects 93% of individuals from serious infection with hospitalisation. Another study found that the vaccine was 88% effective against the delta variant, which is somewhat lower than the 95% to 100% efficacy against severe disease seen in late-stage trials.
A study from the UK's Medical Research Council (MRC) Biostatistics Unit (BSU) at the University of Cambridge found that vaccinations have prevented around 7.2 million infections and 27,000 deaths in England alone.
In summary, while the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine's effectiveness against the delta variant may be lower than against previous variations, it still provides strong protection against serious illness and hospitalisation.
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Moderna vaccine protection
Vaccines do offer protection against the Delta variant of COVID-19. However, it is important to note that no vaccine can provide 100% protection against a coronavirus infection. The Moderna vaccine, in particular, has been found to be highly protective against the Delta variant.
A non-peer-reviewed Canadian study from early July 2021 found that the Moderna vaccine exhibited high protection against the Delta variant. The study reported that the vaccine was 72% effective from 14 days after the first dose. However, the study was published before sufficient data could be collected on protection after two doses. Another study comparing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines found that both were effective in protecting against COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation, but their effectiveness was lower against the Delta variant compared to the Alpha variant. Moderna was found to be 76% effective against the Delta variant, while Pfizer was 42% effective.
The Moderna vaccine has been approved by the FDA and is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older. However, as of August 27, 2025, the FDA revoked the emergency use authorisation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This means that the vaccine is now restricted to people at high risk for COVID-19 complications, such as those who are 65 or older or have other health problems.
While the Moderna vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, it is important to note that vaccine protection decreases over time. This is why it is recommended to stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccines, as they are updated to provide the best protection against currently circulating strains. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines, for example, more closely target the Omicron variant.
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AstraZeneca vaccine protection
Vaccines do offer protection against the Delta variant of COVID-19. However, no vaccine can provide 100% protection against a coronavirus infection. Vaccinated people, especially those with pre-existing illnesses, still run a small risk of infection and, in the worst-case scenario, death.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has been found to be effective against the Delta variant. According to a study by Public Health England (PHE), two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are 67% effective against the Delta variant, and 74.5% effective against the Alpha variant. The same study found that one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine was about 30% effective against the Delta variant. Another study published by PHE showed 30% protection after the first dose and 67% after the second.
PHE's analysis included 14,019 cases of the Delta variant, 122 of whom were hospitalised, between 12 April and 4 June, looking at emergency hospital admissions in England. This real-world evidence against the Delta variant is based on limited follow-up after the second dose, which could impact the effectiveness estimate. The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine in countries where new variants, like the Delta variant, are prevalent.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has also shown a high level of effectiveness against the Alpha variant, with an 86% reduction in hospitalisations and no deaths reported. The higher efficacy against severe disease and hospitalisation is supported by recent data showing a strong T-cell response to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which should correlate with high and durable protection.
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Johnson & Johnson vaccine protection
Vaccines do offer protection against the Delta variant of COVID-19. However, no vaccine can ever provide 100% protection. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that has demonstrated strong protection against the wild-type and Alpha variant of COVID-19. However, its protection notably decreased against the Delta variant.
A Canadian study from early July 2021 found that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced antibodies against the Delta variant. The study showed that the vaccine was 72% effective 14 days after the first dose. However, the study was published before sufficient data could be collected on protection after two doses. Johnson & Johnson presented interim results from a study of 20 people, showing that its vaccine produces antibodies against the Delta variant. However, no clear amount of efficacy has been stated.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has shown stable effectiveness, with 79% protection against COVID-19-related infections and 81% protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations. The vaccine has demonstrated strong protection against severe/critical disease and death, with a substantial increase in immune response when a booster was given at six months.
While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine offers some protection against the Delta variant, it is important to note that the effectiveness of vaccines against this variant may vary, and breakthrough infections can still occur.
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Risk reduction and length of infection
Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of transmission and the length of time a person is infectious with the Delta variant. Unvaccinated people are much more likely to experience symptoms, become seriously ill, and die from COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
Vaccination with the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna vaccines has been shown to be effective in protecting against COVID-19 infection, illness, hospitalisation, severe illness, and death due to the Delta variant. However, it is important to note that no vaccine can provide 100% protection, and the effectiveness of the vaccines reduces over time. The protection offered by these vaccines against the Delta variant is generally lower compared to previous variants.
A study published in the journal Nature found that two doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine provided strong protection against the Delta variant, with 64% effectiveness in preventing infection and 93% effectiveness in preventing serious infection resulting in hospitalization. Another study found that the Moderna vaccine was 72% effective 14 days after the first dose.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has also been found to be effective, with one study showing 60% protection against the Delta variant after two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has also claimed that its jab produced a strong immune response eight months after vaccination, although no clear efficacy rate has been stated.
While vaccinated individuals can still transmit the Delta variant due to its high transmissibility, they are much less likely to contract an infection, which greatly reduces their ability to spread the virus.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vaccines do offer protection against the Delta variant. However, no vaccine can provide 100% protection.
The Pfizer vaccine has been found to be 79% effective against the Delta variant two weeks after the second dose. A PHE study also found that the vaccine is 94% effective in hindering severe illness resulting in hospitalisation after the first dose, with protection rising to 96% after the second.
A non-peer-reviewed Canadian study found that the Moderna vaccine was 72% effective from 14 days after the first dose. A comparison of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines found that while both were effective in protecting against COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation, effectiveness was lower against the Delta variant.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has been found to be 60% effective against the Delta variant. A PHE study found that the vaccine is 71% effective in preventing severe illness resulting in hospitalisation after the first dose, with protection rising to 92% after the second.
Johnson & Johnson have claimed that their vaccine produced a strong immune response eight months after vaccination. However, no clear amount of efficacy has been stated.
