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So far, in the EU and the US, two vaccines are in the most advanced stage: BioNTech and Pfizer and the Moderna vaccine. Other manufacturers await approval soon. The upcoming immunization campaign raises many questions, the answers to which we offer here.
What is the difference between the first two vaccines so far?
They are both so called. RNA vaccines. In human cells, they increase certain typical virus proteins. To which the body responds by building an immunization defense. The most important difference between the two vaccines: Moderna’s can be stored for up to 30 days in a normal refrigerator, that is. it is not necessary to freeze, as with the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccines. It can also be stored in the refrigerator after defrosting, but no more than five days before use.
Why should vaccines be given at immunization centers or by mobile teams in nursing homes?
Only in this way can it be guaranteed that, for example, the deep-frozen preparation from BioNTech and Pfizer will be professionally prepared and applied. Five doses of vaccine are administered in each serving. It is for this reason that GPs cannot vaccinate single retirees at home. The immunization center system also helps to immunize those who need it most first.
When should the second vaccine be given?
Both vaccines must be administered within three weeks. The second vaccination is possible after this period, but should be done as soon as possible.
And is it possible that the first and second vaccines are of different types?
No, for both the first and the second immunization, the vaccine must be the same.
Should I get vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19?
However, survivors must be immunized, as it is not certain that previous infection provides sufficient protection against reinfection. We already know that there are cases of reinfection, however rare they are so far. But doctors do not have the right to vaccinate people who are currently taking COVID-19 or who have the flu or other colds. In this case, immunization should be carried out only after the patient has recovered. This also applies to people who are quarantined because they have been in contact with a coronavirus infection, and should only be vaccinated after the quarantine has expired. If they get infected, the vaccination will be delayed anyway.
How long will it take for everyone who wants to get vaccinated to get vaccinated?
It will be years before everyone in the world is immunized against the coronavirus. Even in the most developed industrial countries, the latter will not be vaccinated before 2022. This is also the case in Germany, where it is believed that people at higher risk, the elderly and patients with previous diseases, will be able to get vaccinated in the summer of next year.
Who should not get vaccinated?
In principle, the doctor must clarify in advance if there is any previous disease that prevents vaccination. This is especially true for allergy sufferers who are intolerant to certain substances. Most of them, like people with hay fever or various food or animal allergies, will be able to get vaccinated.
People with previous serious illnesses, such as diabetes, or people who are overweight or with a weakened immune system, are better vaccinated, since without vaccination they have a higher risk of serious disease after infection.
Can children be vaccinated?
The preparations that have been developed so far are only intended for people over 16 years of age.
What should pregnant women keep in mind?
Experts do not believe that RNA vaccines pose any risk to pregnant women and the fetus. However, animal experiments are currently being conducted to determine if the product affects reproductive performance. That is, the issue should be discussed with a doctor.
For one thing, pregnancy is considered a risk factor for a more severe course of COVID-19, which can also harm the fetus. However, on the other hand, pregnant women should assess the individual risk of infection based on their contacts and the likelihood that they will become infected.
What side effects are possible?
Vaccination can cause mild to moderate temporary side effects: injection site swelling, temporary headaches and limbs, fever, fatigue and fever. Side effects usually appear in the first three days after vaccination and disappear within two days. For more serious side effects, seek medical attention. In most countries, these cases should be reported to the agency that approved the vaccine.
Do vaccines also help against virus mutations?
Both types of vaccines probably also help against newly identified mutations in the virus. BioNTech founder Ugur Shahin announced that his company had tested a lab-developed product against 20 mutations in the virus so far, including the latest in the UK.
Germany
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