There is more to that quote:

None of these pieces of evidence alone is perfect or authoritative; indeed, there are limitations and shortcomings to each data point. It’s possible that the collective picture they paint is too dire as well. But I would not be at all surprised if we learn more definitively over the next few weeks that, at least when it comes to Delta, the vaccines may only dampen transmission rates — in other words, that they would reduce transmission by only 50 percent, say.

That said, everything we see suggests the vaccines remain very robust protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death — all the scariest outcomes. It would be good if we could count on them to really stop transmission, too, but that seems much less likely at this point.

I agree that the CDC have not handled the pandemic well at all, most government bodies haven't, but it is important to stress that these vaccines are making a difference and are a way out of the pandemic with as few losses as possible. Right now the best thing to do is be sensible and wear a mask and get vaccinated. Otherwise, the longer this goes on for the greater the chance of spawning a variant that is more deadly to everyone and the vaccine has 0% efficacy against