At this point it is widely recognized that viral evolution is undermining the effectiveness of the current vaccines at preventing infection (~91% to ~66%) [1] a

At this point it is widely recognized that viral evolution is undermining the effectiveness of the current vaccines at preventing infection (~91% to ~66%) [1] and symptomatic illness (~95% to ~65%) [2]. Still, the benefits of vaccination remain significant - vaccines are helping prevent severe outcomes like hospitalization and death for many people. Researching formulations that are more robust to viral resistance is already becoming a top priority. Diversifying viral elimination strategies at the population level will also be critical. Mandatory nonpharmaceutical interventions such as lock-downs and masking may help slow the spread of the virus, but at this point those measures will not stop the spread, because SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and primarily transmitted through the air (as acknowledged by the WHO and CDC) [3]. [1] Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Frontline Workers Before and During B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant Predominance — Eight U.S. Locations, December 2020–August 2021 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7034e4.htm https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7034e4.htm [2] Resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Highly Vaccinated Health System Workforce https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2112981 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2112981 [3] Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses https://www.science.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.abd9149 https://www.science.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.abd9149