Now, nearly half of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant has caused an increase in the number of cases in almost half of the countries.

Delta variants, This has caused setbacks all over the world and now accounts for More than half of new COVID-19 cases According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States.At least 24 states have seen At least 10% increase in cases In the past week.

Early research suggests that people who are fully vaccinated have a very low risk of getting sick due to the Delta variant. More and more studies have shown that those who have not been vaccinated are at high risk, while those who are only partially vaccinated may have very limited protection.

A peer-reviewed report published in the journal by French researchers on Thursday natural It was discovered that mutations of Delta variants can be produced by vaccines or antibodies produced by natural infections.There may be little protection with just one shot-this is especially worrying because of the pressure that dominates the United States.

The same study in France found that people who receive a full two-dose regimen of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines will have strong protection against Delta variants.Their findings are in a similar report New England Journal of MedicineThe conclusion reached is that the entire mRNA vaccine—the vaccine produced by Pfizer and Moderna—seems to provide significant immunity.

The changing face of the coronavirus means Its mutation requires constant research and monitoringIn the early days of the pandemic, some research from the University of Pennsylvania showed that a dose of vaccine May be enough to protect From the early and widespread virus strains. But the evolution of the virus shows that it has developed new ways to evade antibodies, whether they come from vaccines or previous natural infections.

For those who received the first dose but did not return for the second dose, health officials strongly encourage people to get the second dose. Better late than never.

In Philadelphia, the health department is increasingly concerned about the Delta variant and the need to ensure that residents are adequately vaccinated.

The health department said last month: “People who have only received part of the vaccine, which means they have only received one dose of Pfizer or Moderna, and only 33% are protected.” “Just a second dose can increase your protection. Nearly 90%.”

On Twitter, Mayor Jim Kenny urged Philadelphia residents to make time for a second injection, regardless of whether they missed the initial appointment or the recommended six weeks have passed.

A health department spokesperson said that, on average, only about 6-7% of Philadelphia residents are late for the second dose, but the increased risk makes this a bigger problem.

The spokesperson said: “We have been promoting as many second doses as possible, not because a large percentage of people missed them, but because of the Delta variant.”

The city has set dates for two dedicated vaccination sites, where people who miss the second dose of vaccine can get the vaccine. They will open clinics for each vaccine on the following dates.

•Modern: Saturday, July 10th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Philadelphia Mosque at 4700 Wyalusing Ave.

•Pfizer: Saturday, July 17 from 10 am to 2 pm at SW Community Development Corporation at 6328 Paschall Ave.

Most local pharmacies will also provide a second dose for people who have expired or expired, regardless of where the first dose was given. Residents are advised to check with local pharmacies for details.

As of Thursday, 58.8% of Philadelphia residents received a comprehensive vaccine 72.7% of people were partially vaccinated.