Pécs virologists explain everything we know about the Pfizer vaccine



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The Pfizer / BioNTech coronavirus vaccine is one of the next generation mRNA-based vaccines. It’s scientifically called BNT162b2, and in practical terms it contains a stability-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule packaged in a lipid nanoparticle, Virology Pécs writes in their Facebook post.

“The messenger RNA molecule travels through the lipid nanoparticle to the extracellular part (called the cytoplasm) of our cells. The variant of the spinal protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that produces the best effect in terms of immunity ”They write.

This protein produced by our cells reaches the cell surface and becomes “available” to our immune system, which responds both with antibodies (called the humoral immune response) and by preparing our immune cells (called the cellular immune response), thus creating protection. The messenger RNA is then broken down. It is pointed out that, contrary to popular belief, here gene implantation is not biologically or technologically possible, nor does the introduced molecule enter the nucleus.

A total of 43,548 people enrolled in the clinical trial phase, 21,720 received vaccines and 21,728 received placebo, he recalls. The second dose of the vaccine was administered intramuscularly 21 days after the first dose and was studied in people over 16 years of age. The currently evaluated period is 2 months, during which time, but with great probability, the immune response will be much longer.

What were the side effects? How dangerous is the vaccine?

The publication also answers safety questions about vaccination. Redness and swelling at the vaccination site were reported to be observed in low percentages, while short-term pain at the vaccination site was described as frequent observation. “Systemic reactions (headache, chills, occasionally fever) were more common than placebo and resolved without exception. Systemic reactions were slightly more common in patients 16 to 55 years old and were generally more common after the second dose. compared to the first dose. “- they write.

According to these, the vaccine is considered safe.

How effective is it?

A degree of protection has already been established 12 days after the first dose. An efficacy of 95% has been established 7 days after the second dose. Very good news is that efficiencies ranged from 90-100% for age groups, gender, ethnicity, BMI index, and other health conditions. According to Virology Pécs, this means that there is a good chance that these factors will not affect its effectiveness.

There are still open questions

The coronavirus vaccine is still surrounded by more uncertainties, with questions that preliminary studies cannot answer. According to the Pécs virologists, the main problems are:

  • Safety and efficacy beyond the observation period,
  • study in population groups not yet studied (pregnant mothers, children, immunosuppressed, etc.)
  • Does the vaccine also protect against mild or asymptomatic diseases? This is important because it would prevent transmission of the infection from vaccinated to unvaccinated people. They think we will know this in the next observation period.
  • How effective can be expected in those who miss the second dose?

Cover image: Getty Images



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