Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines
Pfizer
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a two dose mRNA vaccine that is recommended for those 6 months and beyond. There are similar vaccine ingredients for different age groups, but different dosages; those aged 12 or above receive a higher dosage. The ingredients include: mRNA (messenger RNA), lipids, sugars, salts and acid stabilizers. Severe allergic reactions are rare. The immune response is triggered when a harmless piece of mRNA from the coronavirus is sent into the body, where it enters a cell. It then teaches the cell how to make an immune response to attack it. After the immune response is created, the leftover pieces are discarded. This vaccine has a 91% efficacy rate after the second dose.
Moderna
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, also known as the Spikevax vaccine, is a two dose, mRNA vaccine that is recommended for those 6 months and beyond. The ingredients include: mRNA, sugars, fat, salts, and acid stabilizers. Severe allergic reactions are rare. The immune response for Moderna’s vaccine is similar to Pfizer’s, as it is triggered when a harmless piece of mRNA from the coronavirus is sent into the body, where it enters a cell. It then teaches the cell how to make an immune response to attack it. After the immune response is created, the leftover pieces are discarded. This vaccine has a 94.1% efficacy rate two weeks after the second dose.
Johnson-Johnson
The Johnson-Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, also known as the Janssen vaccine or J&J vaccine, is a one dose, viral vector vaccine that is recommended for those who are adults (18+). It has a 66.3% efficacy rate with the most protection present about two weeks after the shot. The ingredients include: a harmless version of the COVID-19 virus (vector virus), sugars, salts, acid, and acid stabilizer. The vector virus does not cause COVID-19 because it is modified. But once it enters the body, it triggers the immune system to respond. The immune system uses the virus to produce a response. After the response, the unused parts of the virus are discarded. The J & J vaccine has created some serious problems in people such as blood clotting after receiving the shot. However, it should be considered, as it may be more convenient for those living in areas without the mRNA vaccines, prefer the convenience of one shot rather than two, have health issues regarding the mRNA vaccines (like allergic reactions to the ingredients), or just want the shot in general.
Booster Shots
There are different booster shot requirements depending on the type of vaccine and the health condition of a person. So far, the first round of booster shots is allowed for everyone 5 years and older, with the second round of booster shots only allowed for those who are 50 years and above, or are immunocompromised.
Similarities and Differences
One significant difference is that J&J is the only one that is not for children. Another difference is that the mRNA vaccines have rare risks of myocarditis and pericarditis in mRNA vaccines among males aged 12-39, while the viral vector vaccine has a risk of blood clotting. Lastly, Moderna vaccines have slightly more severe side effects than Pfizer. One similarity is that the first round of booster shots are given to all doses. Another similarity is that all of these vaccines are intramuscular (given in the muscle). The third similarity is that second boosters for mRNA vaccines are given to those who are immunocompromised or are aged 50 and above. The last similarity is that there are common side effects to the doses, such as cough, fever, and chills.
There are people who prefer Pfizer/Moderna over Johnson-Johnson because of the less risks after the virus and the higher immune protection. However, all the vaccines work to produce an immune system response. In the end, it is important to do extra research to see what vaccine is best for you. Think about what factors in a vaccine you care more about and look them up at the CDC website for more information.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Pfizer-biontech COVID-19 vaccine overview and Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
Robertson, L. (2022, May 16). Pfizer documents show vaccine is highly effective, contrary to social media posts. FactCheck.org. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.factcheck.org/2022/05/scicheck-pfizer-documents-show-vaccine-is-highly-effective/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Moderna COVID-19 vaccine overview and Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine overview and Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/janssen.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Covid-19 vaccine boosters. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html?s_cid=11712%3A%2Bcovid+%2Bbooster+%2Bshots%3Asem.b%3Ap%3ARG%3AGM%3Agen%3APTN%3AFY22