By Content Support -
COVID-19 delta variant: Blue Cross MN chief medical officer shares what you should know
August 11, 2021A
s the delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, leading to many questions and confusion about changing protocols, we reconnected with Dr. Mark Steffen, vice president and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, to find answers to the most common questions we’re hearing about this now-dominant strain of the COVID-19 virus.
With so much information in the news and on social media, we asked Dr. Steffen to help us cut through the clutter and focus on the facts. Here’s what he had to say:
How much more contagious is the delta variant than previous versions of COVID-19?
This is the most contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus we have seen to date. This is why we’ve seen such a rapid increase in new cases in a growing number of areas across the country.
Watch John Hines and Dr. Mark Steffen as they answer Minnesota seniors' questions about life, health and COVID-19 in their recent webinar. From flu shots to breakthrough infections to ivermectin – they cover it all!
Who is most at risk of becoming seriously ill from the delta variant?
Early in the pandemic, the main risk factors for COVID-19 were primarily related to age and underlying health conditions. Today, with the availability of vaccines, that has shifted. Now, those who remain unvaccinated have the highest risk of COVID-19 infection and resulting illness, including hospitalization and death.
Because more than 80 percent of older Americans (65+) have now been fully vaccinated, 18- to 49- year-olds make up the largest demographic of hospitalized people with COVID-19 today*, due to lower vaccination rates among people in this age group.
Unvaccinated people are the main contributors to the spread of the disease, making up more than 94 percent of reported COVID-19 cases.*
In addition to being at higher risk for contracting COVID-19, unvaccinated people are the main contributors to the spread of the disease, making up more than 94 percent of reported COVID-19 cases, a Kaiser Family Foundation report found.
UPDATE: The latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that for the month of August 2021, 30 percent of new COVID-19 cases in Minnesota occurred in fully vaccinated people. While breakthrough cases are unlikely to lead to severe illness, the CDC currently recommends everyone wear a mask in public places to help stop the spread of the delta variant.
It’s also important to remember that people with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk for developing serious illness from COVID-19, whether or not they have been vaccinated. The CDC has more information on this.
Are the current vaccines effective against the delta variant?
The currently available COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, including hospitalization and death. This remains true for all prominent strains of COVID-19, including the delta variant.
If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, I highly recommend you talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns, then schedule a vaccination appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, including hospitalization and death.
Will I need an additional shot for the delta variant?
This question has been getting a lot of attention lately. While the currently available vaccines have been shown to be effective against the prominent strains of COVID-19, the science around the need for additional doses is still evolving.
UPDATE: The CDC now recommends that certain people with compromised immune systems receive a third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna) for additional protection.
For individuals who received a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago, a booster dose is now recommended for certain groups, including anyone age 65+.
If you have any questions about additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, it is best to talk to your doctor.
Why is the CDC now recommending that I wear a mask in public, even if I’ve been vaccinated?
While breakthrough cases of COVID-19 are uncommon and typically not severe, there is legitimate concern that those who are vaccinated and still become infected with COVID-19 may spread the virus, even if they don't become seriously ill.
At this time, with the dramatic rise in cases we are seeing, a multipronged approach is needed. Whether vaccinated or not, if you become infected with the delta variant, you may have a lot of virus in your body—particularly in your nose and throat— and studies show that due to the sheer amount of virus, it’s easily passed on to others.
Simply put, masks help to limit this spread. It’s important to mask up to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Simply put, masks help to limit this spread. If there are a lot of cases in a particular area, it’s even more important to mask up to prevent the virus from spreading further.
What should I be thinking about before getting together with friends and family?
Remember, not only are these vaccines safe, they work. If you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you are unlikely to be infected or become seriously ill.
If you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you are unlikely to be infected or become seriously ill.
With that being said, the delta variant is highly contagious, and can even be transmitted by those who are vaccinated and have a breakthrough infection. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases from the delta variant, the CDC is currently recommending that even vaccinated individuals wear a mask indoors in areas where there is substantial or high transmission of COVID-19. Additionally, they continue to recommend that unvaccinated people and those with weakened immune systems continue to wear a mask (age 2+) and practice physical distancing, regardless of the level of community transmission.
In short, receiving your vaccine, wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing continue to be the best ways we can protect ourselves and others against this deadly virus.
Am I still covered for any COVID-19 related care?
Yes. In addition to providing no-cost coverage for the COVID-19 vaccines, Blue Cross is continuing to provide no-cost coverage for medically necessary COVID-19 testing and in-network treatment (through 12/31/21), as well. For more information, please visit www.bluecrossmn.com/covid.
Anything else you’d like to note?
COVID-19 vaccination for those under the age of 12 could come in early to mid-winter. This will be welcome news for people like me who have school-aged children under the age of 12. As we are seeing with the current surge of the delta variant, it is important that we remain vigilant in taking the steps necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from COVID-19.
This recent blog post has more information about why the vaccine is a highly effective way for us to achieve the goal of ending the pandemic together. I hope everyone can feel confident in doing their part to join the fight against COVID-19.
*Sources cited:
Couple of questions…
What about the Mayo Clinic paper that came out on 8/12/21 that stated the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines is falling. Per the paper the Pfizer vaccine is only 42% effective and Moderna's is 76% (a little drop from the 90%+ that was claimed on the alpha version)?
Where does Natural immunity come in to play. There are numerous physician groups that have stated that natural immunity is expected to last 7x longer than the vaccine? However, the CDC has failed to publicly address this.
Per the State of MN website the cumulative survival rate for cases in designated age groups are below:
(https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/situation.html#agem1)
Age group of 0-19 years old is 99.99744% survival rate.
Age group of 0-34 years old is 99.98632% survival rate.
Age group of 0-49 years old is 99.95134% survival rate.
Age group of 0-64 years old is 99.82518% survival rate.
Studies are ongoing to determine effectiveness. Fortunately, most studies including a recent study by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7034e2.htm) continue to indicate that the current COVID-19 vaccines remain very effective in preventing serious illness, and hospitalization.
Why is NO ONE addressing The very large population amongst us who have already gotten the virus and gotten better without any medical care?! Our body, T cells, specifically, memorize the RNA of any virus that has attacked us. When we encounter it again our bodies not only recognize it but take into account for a 10% variance for the correct protein match to fight a virus that our immune system recognizes. I do not understand why this is not being addressed or even discussed. I had chickenpox and whooping cough as a child and no one is telling me to get the varicella or DTaP vaccinations. Does anyone else find it a bit curious?
Is the third shot or "booster", the same dose/strength as the initial two shots?
The CDC has a good FAQ on this here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. More details on the booster shots will be available as it goes through the FDA authorization and recommendation process through CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Are persons with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more supseptible to the Delta varience. Also how important is it the to get the booster — does it depend on which vaccine you originally got?
We would encourage you to speak to your doctor regarding any questions about additional vaccinations. You can also find more information on the booster shots from the CDC in this FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. More details on the booster shots will be available as it goes through the FDA authorization and recommendation process through CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
I am an 80 year old male in reasonably good health. I am a BC/BC member. I currently live in MN. but I lived in MA until March 2021 and received two injections of the Pfizer vaccine from South Shore Health in MA: Feb 10 and Mar 8. How will I be informed when I can obtain the third "booster" injection and what proof will I need to obtain it? Thanks.
We would encourage you to reach out to your doctor regarding this question. You can also find more information on the booster shots from the CDC in this FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. More details on the booster shots will be available as it goes through the FDA authorization and recommendation process through CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
How about an event such as the Minnesota State Fair? There is no way to social distance. Please advise on what to do. There will be 6 children ages 8 thru 18.Thank you.
This Q&A from the CDC has helpful tips on small and large gatherings, including safety tips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/gatherings.html. This article also has additional recommendations on what is safe for those who are fully vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
When are vaccinated Minnesotans going to get their QR code’s showing they are vaccinated? California residents are getthem.
A lot of the information about getting a "booster" shot revolves around the two shot (Moderna/Pfizer) vaccine. What about those of us who opted for the single shot of "Johnson & Johnson" vaccine? Do we need boosters as well?
We encourage you to speak with your doctor about any questions related to additional vaccinations. In addition, the CDC has a good FAQ on booster shots here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. More details on the booster shots will be available as it goes through the FDA authorization and recommendation process through CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
What about natural immunity…a true expert would address it!
The CDC recommends getting the COVID vaccine even if you have had COVID-19 and you can read more about that here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/prepare-for-vaccination.html . A recent study (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0806-vaccination-protection.html) highlighted the importance of this and showed that those who were previously infected with COVID-19 were twice as likely to be reinfected compared to those who were fully vaccinated after initially contracting the virus.
Why is BCBS paying for treatment of COVID patients who have refused to be vaccinated? This is not cost effective, and will increase my rates because of their stupidity. Tying coverage to vaccination would be a powerful incentive!
Can I be tested for antigen levels for Covid 19? I would like to know my level of protection.
We would encourage you to speak to your doctor about this question.
This report and recommendations makes no reference to the substantial post vaccine disabilitating illness and deaths. I will remain unvacced.
Hi,I have SA and I take Humera and Methotracsate, am I in the category of people with compromise immune system?
My RA doctor told me that it is not accurate to take the test for anti-bodies, is there another test to see if I can fight the virus?
If I need a third one do I have to do it at the same place that I did it for my 2 others ?
We encourage you to speak with your doctor about questions specific to your health.
Why will no one address the immunity factor of those that had Covid and have the antigens already. No one will talk about it.
The CDC recommends getting the COVID vaccine even if you have had COVID-19 and you can read more about that here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/prepare-for-vaccination.html . A recent study (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0806-vaccination-protection.html) highlighted the importance of this and showed that those who were previously infected with COVID-19 were twice as likely to be reinfected compared to those who were fully vaccinated after initially contracting the virus.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, among others, has emphasized that when recommending masks, we should be recommending EFFECTIVE masks. That means recommending approved KN95 or N95 masks, which are now in adequate supply and relatively inexpensive. A cloth mask may only protect the wearer from getting an infectious dose for 5-10 minutes in an indoor area with infectious aerosols while a tight-fitting N95 mask can protect for several hours. The public needs to have accurate information!
MY CARDALAGEST HAS SAID THAT I SHOULD NOT GET THE SECOND COVED 19 SHOT BE COUSE OF A REACTION TO THE 1ST ONE? WHAT SGOULD I DO NOW. I WAS HOSPITALIZED AFTER THE 1ST ONE FOR ABPUT A WEEK.
Anyone who has concerns about getting the vaccine should talk to their doctor.
No one is talking about preventatives: Vitamins D, C, Zinc or healthy foods and lifestyles..
No one is talking about other prescribed alternatives to a vac.
if one is contracted the Delta: Monoclonal Antibodies, Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, zinc. Why have many doctors not prescribed these?
Healthy lifestyle habits including eating healthy and getting regular exercise are always a good idea. Those who have questions specific to the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID treatments and/or any concerns about COVID-19 and the delta variant are encouraged to talk to their doctor to learn more.
Those who continue to reject the vaccine are endangering the lives of the rest of those are trying to stop this disease. While I generally do not like officials "forcing" citizens to do anything, this seems no dfferent to me from smallpox, polio, or any of the childhood vaccinations, and all should be required. They are safe, painless, and good for all.
By true immunity do you mean prior exposure? Because there is no immunity to the virus if you have not been previously exposed to the Covid virus. Of course you should do all you can to support your own immune and overallhealth. For example if you are obese or overweight then diet and exercise to lose weight and get your pulmonary system in as good a shape as possible. And vit C and Zinc may help, as well as vit D if you are deficient. But the vaccine is the best bet for most people. If you are not immunized then do so ASAP!
With so many different types of KN95 or N95 masks which ones are approved for the pandemic?
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0806-vaccination-protection.html
Here is the latest comment from the CDC. My niece remains unvaccinated and has gotten COVID for the second time. I have heard repeatedly recommendation for vaccine after infection provides greater immunity and studies have shown lasting longer than natural immunity acquired by illness.
Is it safe to have an indoor gathering for 50 people over the age of 70 for a lunch and a meeting assuming they were vaccinated?
This Q&A from the CDC has helpful tips on small and large gatherings, including safety tips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/gatherings.html. This article also has additional recommendations on what is safe for those who are fully vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
Why is there no mention of drugs that can be given to people in early stages that almost 100% prevent hospitalization and death. Why aren't they being used for people that test positive. Much more effective than masks
The FDA has great site on the treatment options for COVID-19 and direct them to this site https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19.
How do they determine if you Covid 19 or the Delta Variant? Is there a test for the Delta ? If so are you tested fo4 both?
According to the CDC all tests work for all variants but they will not tell you which variant you have. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html) Additionally you may find this article from Health.com, which references the CDC and WHO as resources, helpful in answering your question: https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/is-there-a-test-for-delta-variant
Went in yesterday for an antibody test, It came back positive, I had the
virus last October, Are we being lied to?
Our natural immunity, from what I've read, is just as good, or better, than any vaccine. Why isn't the CDC talking about this?
The CDC recommends getting the COVID vaccine even if you have had COVID-19 and you can read more about that here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/prepare-for-vaccination.html . A recent study (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0806-vaccination-protection.html) highlighted the importance of this and showed that those who were previously infected with COVID-19 were twice as likely to be reinfected compared to those who were fully vaccinated after initially contracting the virus.
What is the survival rate for those in the age range from 64 and higher who have had the initial 1 or 2 vaccine shots?
There are two resources from the CDC you can view for more information about this. First, you can look at the CDC COVID Data Tracker: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. You can also find more information specific to COVID-19 risks and vaccination information in older adults on this page: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19/covid19-older-adults.html
Six of us that are vaccinated went to dinner. Five of us got COVID. That seems like a high percentage of “break-through” COVID.
I’ve did a lot of research and it’s very possible the vaccinated are spreading the variants, why is this not addressed? Doctors have said they have notified the cdc of this but they are ignored. In Israel 78% of everyone 12 and over are vaccinated yet 85-90% of hospitalized people are fully vaccinated.