ADA, CDC: Vaccination, masks recommended amid Delta variant

The ADA released a fact sheet Aug. 6 containing information about the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and why vaccination and masks continue to be recommended by the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fact sheet, titled Virus Variants and Vaccination — SARS-CoV-2 Update, includes the following:

• ADA and CDC recommendations for dental practice settings remain the same. Mitigation strategies, long recommended by the CDC and ADA, include being vaccinated against the virus, using personal protective equipment in practice settings and social distancing.
• Vaccinated individuals can still become infected and transmit the virus to others, even if they don’t experience symptoms themselves. As of the end of July, the Delta variant was reported to be responsible for 82% of the cases in the U.S.
• Delta is categorized by the CDC as a variant of concern because it appears to be more transmissible than previous strains, and while it appears less vulnerable to neutralization by post-vaccination antibodies, it is still susceptible to secondary immune responses. Similarly, it seems less vulnerable to control by monoclonal antibody treatment.
• Infection by this strain can be detected earlier after exposure, and is seen to have a higher concentration of viral particles present in infected individuals.
• Given the potential of unvaccinated individuals, including children, as well as vaccinated individuals to be infected with and transmit variants of the virus, the CDC recommends everyone 2 years of age or older in areas of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask that covers both nose and mouth when indoors and/or in the presence of crowds of people.

The fact sheet includes a chart that tallies the number of cases, deaths and hospitalizations of those who were fully vaccinated and those who were not. The overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are among individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

For more information on the Delta variant, visit the CDC website.

The ADA continues to create COVID-19 resources that address members' concerns. For the latest information, visit ADA.org/virus.