Comparing Features of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Breakdown of Their Distinct Traits
Let's clear up the confusion about the COVID-19 vaccines.
With all this news flying around, it's natural to be worried or confused about the vaccines that could keep you and your family safe from COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about these life-saving shots.
Spoiler Alert: All COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at keeping you out of the hospital and preventing hospitalizations and death.
So, what's the lowdown on the types of vaccines?
There are three main types of vaccines currently fighting off SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Although they use different methods, they all have one goal: to equip your immune system to recognize and attack the spike protein found on the outside of the virus.
RNA Vaccines
Say hello to the RNA vaccines! They use genetic instructions to manufacture the spike protein, teaching your body to protect you from the disease. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines belong to this group and require two shots for maximum effectiveness.
Protein Vaccines
These vaccines use harmless SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins to spur a protective immune response. Not unlike RNA vaccines, they also shield you from the virus. Novavax is currently developing a protein vaccine for COVID-19, and it's still undergoing clinical trials.
Virus Vector Vaccines
Here's the scoop on virus vector vaccines: A DNA copy of the SARS-CoV-2 gene that makes the spike protein is delivered into your cells via a harmless virus. The cells use this DNA to create the spike protein, which stimulates your immune response. You can find the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in this group.
Are all the vaccines effective?
No need to worry, all the COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. Don't be alarmed by small differences in their efficacy against mild symptoms. All vaccines are top-notch when it comes to protecting you from severe illness and death.
Do the vaccines shield against new variants?
While the vaccines are highly effective against the early strain of SARS-CoV-2, we still need more information about their performance against emerging variants. Some variants may be able to dodge the immunity generated by the first vaccines, but rest assured that any vaccine will offer significant protection against severe illness and death.
Got side effects?
There's no need to worry about major differences in the side effects of the three vaccines currently available. Common side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, and low-grade fevers. Other side effects may include muscle and joint pain, headaches, but these won't prevent you from going about your daily activities.
Be sure to mention any history of severe allergic reactions to your doctor. If possible, try planning a day off after your shot in case you're feeling under the weather.
The bottom line
The best COVID-19 vaccine for you is the one that's offered to you. All approved COVID-19 vaccines will keep you healthy, out of the hospital, and help keep your community safe from the deadly virus.
Stay informed by checking your local health department resources for the latest updates on the pandemic and recommendations regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.
News about the COVID-19 vaccines indicate that they play a crucial role in health-and-wellness and medical-conditions, as they are effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. These life-saving shots come in three main types: RNA, protein, and virus vector vaccines, each using different methods but sharing the common goal of equipping the immune system to recognize and attack the virus's spike protein.
