Here is how the Pfizer vaccine works

Summary

The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, marking a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19. This vaccine, alongside others like Moderna’s, uses a new mRNA technology that teaches the body to produce spike proteins to trigger an immune response. Early trials show high effectiveness, but questions remain about the duration of immunity. Experts emphasize that these vaccines do not contain live virus and cannot cause COVID-19. While the vaccines are promising, ongoing research will continue to assess their long-term effectiveness and safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 The FDA has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, marking a major milestone in the pandemic response.
• 😀 The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on a new method called mRNA technology, which has never been approved in the U.S. before.
• 😀 These vaccines work by instructing the body to produce spike proteins similar to those found on the COVID-19 virus, triggering an immune response.
• 😀 Once the body forms spike proteins, it generates antibodies that can fight off COVID-19 if encountered in the future.
• 😀 Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccines contain live virus, so recipients cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine itself.
• 😀 Early results from clinical trials have shown that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.
• 😀 There are currently 330 COVID-19 vaccine candidates being worked on globally, with 11 in clinical trials in the U.S.
• 😀 The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are among the most advanced in the development process, using messenger RNA to instruct cells in the body to protect against COVID-19.
• 😀 While the vaccines are effective, experts are still studying how long immunity lasts after vaccination.
• 😀 The vaccines are safe, and experts say that receiving the vaccine will not give you COVID-19, as there is no live virus involved.
• 😀 The FDA and health organizations will continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness and provide updates on vaccine developments as new data becomes available.

Q & A

What is Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and why is it important for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a regulatory mechanism that allows the FDA to approve the use of medical products in emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It was granted to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to expedite its availability for public use while ongoing data collection continues.

How does the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine work?

The Pfizer vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to create spike proteins found on the coronavirus. This triggers an immune response, preparing the body to fight COVID-19 if exposed in the future.

Why is the Pfizer vaccine based on mRNA technology considered innovative?

mRNA technology is groundbreaking because it doesn't use live virus or traditional methods. Instead, it teaches the immune system to recognize and respond to a virus by producing harmless spike proteins that prompt immune defense.

Can someone get COVID-19 from the Pfizer vaccine?

No, the Pfizer vaccine does not contain live virus, so you cannot contract COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine.

What is the efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines based on early results?

Early results from both Pfizer and Moderna’s clinical trials showed that their vaccines are approximately 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection.

What are the ongoing trials studying regarding the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?

Ongoing trials are studying the long-term effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, including how long immunity lasts and whether boosters may be needed.

How many vaccine candidates are being developed globally for COVID-19?

There are 330 vaccine candidates in development worldwide, with 11 of them currently in clinical trials in the U.S.

What is the purpose of creating spike proteins in the body using the mRNA vaccine?

The creation of spike proteins helps the immune system recognize and remember the virus, allowing the body to fight COVID-19 if exposed in the future.

What do we not know about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at this stage?

At this stage, it is still unknown how long the immunity provided by the vaccines lasts and whether booster shots will be necessary in the future.

What is the significance of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the fight against COVID-19?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are crucial because they offer a high level of protection against COVID-19, enabling mass vaccination efforts to control the spread of the virus and reduce severe cases and deaths.