Anchorage allergy specialist speaks about COVID-19 Delta variant

WASILLA — Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center of Alaska founder Dr. Jeffrey Demain recently gave a presentation about COVID-19 and important information surrounding the subject, including the highly discussed Delta variant during a virtual Meadow Lakes Community Council meeting Aug. 11.

“Vaccines are effective, absolutely. They’re safe and they provide not only individual protection but also community protection,” Demain said.

Demain covered multiple topics across the immune systems and their various cellular functions to illustrate how COVID-19, its various mutated strains, and viruses in general function. He also discussed how vaccines work inside the body.

Demain stressed the importance of COVID-19 vaccination throughout his presentation. He said that vaccines are a key tool to turning the tide of infection rates.

“In 2019, there was the first case of the Novel Coronavirus... but within two weeks, they actually were able to genetically map out that specific coronavirus… There were 160 companies that stepped up, all with different platforms, to start developing a vaccine through Operation Warp Speed, which is probably the greatest endeavors we’ve taken in medical history… Because of this, the vaccine was ready in a much more rapid time… Really, it’s a beautiful story,” Demain said.

Those who are vaccinated are eight times less likely to acquire COVID-19 than those who aren’t vaccinated and 25 times less likely to be hospitalized, according to Demain. He said that vaccines are effective at lowering circulation, hospitalization, and death rates. He said that most hospitalizations are associated with unvaccinated people.

He also shared recent recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advising women that are pregnant or breastfeeding to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“The key for us is to try and inhibit the virus’ ability to attack. Once it attacks, it has the ability to get into our cells, and this is when the damage occurs,” Demain said.

Demain noted that vaccines aren’t perfect. He said that those who are vaccinated may not exhibit symptoms, but they can still spread the virus for a period of time. He said this infection time period is usually shortened for those who are vaccinated, but the risk is still very real and something to stay vigilant about.

According to Demain, 97 percent of current COVID-19 infections are from the Delta variant.

“The delta is the one that has caused the most problems. It’s much more virulent, meaning you get a much more rapid and much higher viral load… Fully vaccinated individuals can resume their activities. You have maximum protection against the Delta variant, but wearing a mask indoors is still recommended because even though you’re not getting sick, you can still spread the infection,” Demain said.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine updates, visit

hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines.

For information specific to Alaska, visit dhss.alaska.gov.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com