J&J vaccine is 'effective' against Delta variant

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Johnson & Johnson said on Thursday (July 1) that its COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus.

According to the WHO, the more contagious Delta variant is becoming the globally-dominant strain.

First seen in India, it added to a surge in cases in the country - resulting in the highest death tally in the world.

J&J said its single-dose vaccine can last at least eight months after inoculation with an 85% efficacy rate.

In a statement, the head of J&J's research and development said that the vaccine "generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane".

That's against all variants, including Delta.

The healthcare company also reported that the antibodies only grow in strength over time.

Other vaccine makers like Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca have previously said that their COVID-19 vaccines were also effective against the Delta variant.