HACKENSACK, N.J. (WCBS 880) — The Delta variant is now the leading COVID-19 strain in the U.S. and its numbers have nearly tripled in New Jersey in recent weeks, prompting officials to urge those who are not vaccinated to get the shot as soon as possible.
"In our state, the latest variant surveillance report shows the proportion of the delta variant sequenced in the last four weeks has risen to 26.8%, up from 15.6% the previous week," said State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "There has been a steady rise in this variant. Two weeks ago the percentage of reports doubled, and this week it nearly doubled again."
The Alpha strain remains the most prevalent in New Jersey.
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The highly-contagious Delta variant first turned up in India in December and has spread to over 80 countries.
Studies show the Pfizer vaccine can be up to 88% effective against the strain, but a study out of Israel had less glowing results with the shot providing just 64% protection.
In New Jersey, more than 2 million adults have not yet been vaccinated.
"Our state has made great strides in getting residents vaccinated, but there is still more work to be done. In the face of this highly-transmissible variant it is more important than ever to have high vaccination rates so our state does not slide backwards."
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