Experts have cautioned that COVID-19 could end up being more severe for people affected during the anticipated third wave, including for the 5-10% of third-wave patients who would be fully vaccinated. This could be attributed to mutations such as the Delta and Delta Plus. 

However, the third wave could be much shorter than the second one, with fewer people contracting the infection. Experts are concerned that the mutations, first identified in India, could neutralize the protection provided by the vaccines during the upcoming wave, which will likely hit by September-October.

Raja Dhar, director of pulmonology at CMRI, said that variations of the virus occur due to mutations that take place regularly during a prolonged pandemic. He added that they more potent than the existing ones and the third wave will likely include these… (ET Healthworld – TNN, June 25, 2021)