A new study conducted by ICMR suggests that the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for a large number of clinical cases of breakthrough infection of COVID-19; however, only 9.8% of them required hospital admission and deaths were reported in only 0.4% of the cases. 

The largest and first countrywide study of breakthrough infections in India revealed that vaccination against COVID-19 leads to reduction in hospitalization and mortality. Hence, the study says that improving the vaccination drive and inoculating the people at a fast pace would be the most important strategy to prevent any future waves of COVID-19 and diminish the burden on healthcare system.

Overall, 677 samples (throat/nasal swabs) were obtained from people who had received two doses and one dose of COVID-19 vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin,) and had tested positive for the viral disease. Majority of the cases of breakthrough infection were found to be with the Delta variant. Just 9.8% of the cases needed a hospital admission while fatality was seen in only 0.4%. In the northern region of the country, the Alpha variant was found to be predominant… (ET Healthworld, July 17, 2021)