The Pfizer vaccine is unique in a few ways. It is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is the first vaccine to use a new technology called messenger RNA (mRNA). It is also the first vaccine to be approved for use in individuals 16 years and older.
How mRNA Vaccines Work
The Pfizer vaccine, along with the Moderna vaccine, uses a type of genetic material called mRNA. mRNA vaccines are made from a small piece of genetic material that contains instructions for making a harmless version of the virus’s spike protein. When a person receives the vaccine, their body uses the instructions to make copies of the spike protein, which stimulates an immune response.
Advantages of mRNA Vaccines
mRNA vaccines have several advantages compared to traditional vaccines. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, can be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures, and have a shorter development timeline. Additionally, because mRNA vaccines do not contain live viruses, there is no risk of triggering an infection in the person receiving the vaccine.
Safety and Effectiveness of the Pfizer Vaccine
The Pfizer vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19. In clinical trials, the vaccine was shown to be 95% effective at preventing symptomatic cases of COVID-19. Additionally, the vaccine was shown to be 100% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease.
The vaccine is also extremely safe. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, fever, and injection site reactions. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in intensity and did not last longer than a few days.
Overall, the Pfizer vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent COVID-19. It is the first vaccine to use mRNA technology and is the first vaccine approved for use in individuals 16 years and older.