New data shows Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine protects people for at least six months, even against the delta variant.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health looked for evidence of protection in blood samples from 24 fully vaccinated volunteers.

The team found that after six months, 96% of samples had a full antibody response against the delta variant.

However, the beta variant, first seen in South Africa, was more likely to break through the immune protection after six months.

Tests of the Rockland-based Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson's vaccines also indicate they provide at least six months of immunity, and likely longer.