Are you unable to decide which vaccine shot to get? Currently, Moderna vs. Pfizer is all the rage. Nowadays, many vaccines are available for the prevention of the novel Coronavirus, a life-threatening viral infection. The majority of people will not be able to choose which vaccination to receive. Let’s clear out this confusion as we compare Moderna vs. Pfizer vaccines in this article.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread devastation and mortality as well as severe social, economic, and financial disruptions. There is a critical worldwide need to foster viable and safe immunizations at all levels. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are both mRNA vaccines containing tiny fragments of the genetic material known as “messenger ribonucleic acid.”
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Moderna Vaccine
The WHO on Immunization has recommended utilizing the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine against Covid-19 in people aged 18 years and above. Moderna Vaccine has an efficacy of around 94% in protecting against Covid-19. Individuals with an allergic reaction to this vaccine should not take this or any other mRNA vaccine. It should be avoided in people below 18 years of age, until further studies.
Read more about the Moderna vaccine here.
Is It Effective Against New Variants?
Given the proof until now, new variants of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.7 (Delta Variant) and 501Y.V2 don’t modify the viability of the Moderna mRNA vaccine. The great news is that the Moderna vaccine appeared to work against all variants, as indicated by the so-called “neutralizing antibody titers”.
Will It Prevent Infection And Transmission To Other People?
It is unknown whether this vaccine will prevent infection or stop ongoing transmission. We should keep up with social distancing, proper handwashing, respiratory cleanliness, and guaranteeing excellent ventilation.
Pfizer Vaccine
The BioNTech Pfizer vaccine is another vaccine that aims to protect against Covid-19. BNT162b2 is an mRNA vaccine effective against Covid-19. Two doses of BNT162b2 given 21 days apart conferred 95% protection.
Read more about the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine here.
Is It Effective Against New Variants?
Researchers found that Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccination worked just as well against most variants as the earlier virus. Still, the vaccine neutralized the South African and Brazil variants with a 3-fold decrease in titer, an effect attributable to the mutation E484K.
One recent study showed that the Pfizer vaccine was 84% effective against the variant after two doses but only 34% effective after the first dose.
Will It Prevent Infection And Transmission To Other People?
Like the Moderna vaccine, it is still under debate if it will prevent infection or stop ongoing transmission.
Moderna Vs. Pfizer: How Long Will They Remain Effective?
In April, the CEOs of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines stated that their vaccine effect would last at least six months, based on previous data. The CEO of Moderna has noted that a booster shot may be necessary for the future.
Moderna Vs. Pfizer: What Are The Side-Effects?
Both vaccines have almost similar side effects. They include pain, swelling, or redness in the arm where you get the shot. You might also have headaches, nausea, fever, chills, and body aches.
Moderna Vs. Pfizer: Do They Result In The Inflammation Of The Heart?
Will Moderna and Pfizer vaccines cause damage to our hearts? A very concerning question asked by many in regards to mRNA vaccines. According to new research, the answer is that few cases of heart inflammation could be linked to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. However, experts say that the risk of the conditions from Moderna and Pfizer vaccines is still far less than the risks of critical illness or death from acquiring Covid-19 infection.
Conclusion
Clearing out the confusion regarding Moderna vs. Pfizer vaccines Kenneth Mak, the director of medical services at the Ministry of Health, answered a question in the conference where he was asked about why the majority of people are choosing Pfizer. He said: “Effectively they both are the same as far as the efficacy and the side effect profile is concerned.” Therefore they are encouraged to go for vaccination, whichever is available. Only the Regulations regarding the Pfizer vaccine are approved for younger people between 12 to 18 years, whereas the Moderna vaccine is not supported.
