According to results from national research, the COVID-19 vaccines are significantly effective at avoiding hospitalizations and emergency department visits caused by the Delta variant.

Additionally, this evidence indicates that Moderna’s vaccine is substantially more effective against Delta than those manufactured by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

“These real-world data show that vaccines remain highly effective at reducing COVID-19 related hospitalizations and emergency department visits, even in the presence of the new COVID-19 variant,” said study author Shaun Grannis.

“We strongly recommend vaccinations for all who are eligible to reduce serious illness and ease the burden on our healthcare system.”

The VISION Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied over 32,000 medical contacts in nine states between June, July, and August 2021, when the Delta variant became the predominant strain.

Unvaccinated patients infected with COVID-19 are 5-7 times more likely to require emergency department care or hospitalization, which is comparable to the overall effectiveness prior to the variant.

The study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is also the first from the VISION Network to demonstrate a significant difference in the efficacy of two mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer). During the study’s timespan:

• Moderna was 95 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations among adults ages 18 and older.  
• Pfizer was 80 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations among adults ages 18 and older. 
• Johnson & Johnson was 60 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations among adults ages 18 and older. 

The study also found that vaccine effectiveness is lower for people 75 years and older, which has not been shown in previous research. This could be due to a range of factors, including the increased time since vaccination. 

When it came to preventing emergency department and urgent care visits, analysis showed that:

• Moderna was 92 percent effective.
• Pfizer was 77 percent effective.
• Johnson & Johnson was 65 percent effective.

Scientists say these findings need further monitoring and evaluation.

“Despite the differences in effectiveness, vaccines continue to offer much more protection than not getting one at all,” said Dr Grannis.

“While breakthrough cases do happen, data shows the symptoms are less severe. The vast majority of COVID hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among unvaccinated individuals. COVID-19 vaccines are powerful tools for combating the pandemic.”

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