Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Fall 2021

The Delta variant: What you need to know Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 The Delta variant of the coro- navirus, known as B.1.617.2, is raising some concerns among health experts. Why? Because it spreads more easily. But there is good news too: So far, COVID-19 vaccines work well against this strain of the virus. Here is what you need to know to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Q What is the Delta variant? A. Many viruses change over time. The Delta variant is a new mutation of the corona- virus that was first found in India. It has now spread to more than 100 countries. In fact, it has become the main strain throughout the world, as well as in the U.S. Q Why is it a problem? A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls Delta a “variant of concern.” That means it has some qualities that need to be watched closely. In Delta’s case: ● It is more contagious. ● It may be resistant to some treatments. Q Why is it vital to be fully vaccinated? A. If you are fully vaccinated, you are less likely to get badly ill— from the Delta variant or other variants. For two-dose vaccines, like Pfizer’s and Moderna’s, that second shot is key. It may offer more protection against Delta than the first shot alone. In the United Kingdom, one dose of the Pfizer shot was shown to be only 33% effective against Delta. But two doses were 88% effective. The bottom line: To slow the spread of the Delta variant, it is vital for all people to be fully vaccinated as soon as they can be. L E T ’ S D O T H I S Focus Your Health Fall 2021 Make a plan to prevent the flu, the Delta variant and COVID-19.