The Delta variant has taken over the country as the most prevalent COVID-19 strain. We know that it can be confusing and scary to keep up with facts about it—especially when misleading and conflicting news reports come out. That said, here’s what I want all of our parents and families to understand about the Delta variant:

It is the most contagious variant seen to date.

The Delta variant is about 64% more transmissible than previous variants. What does that mean? Basically, the virus is able to spread at a faster rate because of the increased viral load of this variant.

A “viral load” is the amount of active virus in a person's body.

So, the Delta variant is more contagious, takes less exposure to make people sick, and is causing sick people to pass more viral particles when they’re infected. This is increasing the spread of COVID-19 among unvaccinated individuals.

The Delta variant is not making kids sicker.

Younger kids, particularly those under 12, are still less likely than adults to get sick via the Delta variant or spread it to others. (This is great news, especially since younger kids can’t get vaccinated yet.)

Vaccines are still VERY EFFECTIVE against the Delta variant.

Studies show effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines range from 64-92%! These are very positive numbers. Normal flu vaccines are at most 60% effective—but the whole purpose of them is to significantly reduce severity, complications or hospitalization. This is true for the COVID-19 vaccine as well. Think of vaccines as a preventive measure to developing dangerous health complications and conditions.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best thing you can do to protect yourselves and your families.

Having a vaccine will lower the chances of spreading COVID-19 to your family members and help protect those around you!

Masking indoors for everyone—regardless of vaccination status—is now recommended.

The reason we're having to mask again is due to the extraordinarily low amount of people getting vaccinated in many parts across the country. Low vaccination rates = more COVID-19 spread in communities.

Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated folks receive LOTS of media attention, but let’s keep in mind these cases are a drop in the bucket compared to total cases. These folks don’t get as sick, suffer complications, or end up in the hospital or ICU! They get better, which is the whole point of the vaccine!

We will get through this! So, take a deep breath, get vaccinated, and be thankful for the ones you love around you.