The BNT162b2 vaccine is highly effective against the Delta variant among adolescents aged 12-18, according to a letter to the editor published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers estimated the vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 against the Delta variant among vaccinated adolescents using data obtained from the largest healthcare organization in Israel. During the study period, the Delta variant was responsible for more than 95% of new infections in Israel. A total of 94,354 vaccine recipients were matched to 94,354 unvaccinated controls. The frequency of testing for SARS-CoV-2 was similar for vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescents (9.4 and 9.9 tests, respectively, per 100 persons/week). At days 14-20 after the first dose, 21-27 after the first dose, and 7-21 after the second dose, the estimated vaccine effectiveness rates against documented SARS-CoV-2 infection were 59%, 66%, and 90%, respectively. The corresponding estimated vaccine effectiveness rates against symptomatic COVID-19 were 57%, 82%, and 93%.
