By Risk of hospitalisation from Omicron half that of Delta variant
The risk of hospitalisation from the Omicron variant is half that of the Delta variant, research by the Cambridge University and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found.
After analysing 528,176 Omicron cases and 573,012 Delta cases in November and December, the research team found that people with Omicron are half as likely to be hospitalised than those with Delta.
The research also found that hospitalisation admission risk from the Omicron variant alone was just a third of the risk with the Delta variant.
It was also found that those with two or three vaccine jabs were 81 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital from Omicron.
Sajid Javid, the Health and Social Care Secretary said: “This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. They save lives and prevent serious illness.
“This analysis shows you are up to 8 times more likely to end up in hospital as a result of COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated.
“It is never too late to come forward for your first dose and it’s vital that everyone comes forward to get boosted now as we head into the new year.”
Those who have had a booster jab are 88 per cent less likely to be hospitalised within the first two weeks of receiving it.
Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “The data once again shows that coming forward for your jab, particularly your third dose, is the best way of protecting yourself and others against infection and severe disease.”
However, effectiveness from a booster can decrease to between 40 to 50 per cent after 10 weeks from getting the jab.
Susan Hopkins warned against optimistic thoughts despite the research painting a positive light, saying: “it remains too early to draw any definitive conclusions on hospital severity, and the increased transmissibility of Omicron and the rising cases in the over 60s population in England means it remains highly likely that there will be significant pressure on the NHS in coming weeks.”
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