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By the end of this week, people in the country hardest hit by COVID-19 could have access to a second COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday (December 15), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mRNA-1273, the vaccine candidate made by the American biotechnology company Moderna, as safe and effective.
This paves the way for the vaccine’s emergency authorization, a decision the FDA will make after a panel of outside advisers meets Thursday.
If licensed, Moderna’s vaccine will follow Pfizer-BioNTech’s, which the United States and Britain have already begun to deliver to the general public.
Singapore also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with the first shipment expected by the end of the year.
READ: Data on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Rigorously and Thoroughly Reviewed,’ HSA Says
READ: Moderna confirms an agreement with the Ministry of Health to supply Singapore with the COVID-19 vaccine
Other countries such as Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Kuwait have also authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. A great group that could follow soon, if the European Union gives its final approval, which could come as soon as December 23rd.
A third COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Sinovac Biotech of China, is also currently in late-stage trials. Indonesia already has 1.2 million doses of CoronaVac, the vaccine it has been testing since August.
Here’s how the three COVID-19 vaccines differ:
PFIZER-BIONTECH
The COVID-19 vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German BioNTech was the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the US FDA for emergency use.
How does it work: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. MRNA vaccines teach our cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response within our body. This is different from traditional vaccines that put a weakened or inactivated germ in our body.
Storage: Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines must be kept below 70 degrees Celsius, which presents logistical challenges, especially for poorer countries.
Effectiveness: 95 percent
Unroll: Britain was the first country in the world to implement injections on December 8, and the United States followed about a week later, on December 16. Singapore, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia have also licensed the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. .
(Image: Rafa Estrada)
MODERN
The initial results of Moderna’s vaccine were described a month ago by Anthony Fauci, America’s leading infectious disease expert, as “staggeringly impressive.”
How does it work: Like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine uses mRNA technology.
Storage: It can be kept for 30 days with refrigeration, six months at minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Effectiveness: 94.5 percent
Unroll: None as of December 16.
SINOVAC
Developed by Sinovac Biotech of China, the vaccine, known as CoronaVac, is currently in phase 3 clinical trials in places like Brazil and Indonesia.
How does it work: Sinovac’s vaccine uses inactivated vaccine technology, which uses a weakened form of a live virus to stimulate our bodies to produce an immune response. This vaccine is similar to the flu and chickenpox vaccines.
Storage: The vaccine can be stored at a normal refrigerator temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and can remain stable for up to three years. This can be an attractive option for places where access to refrigeration is challenging.
Effectiveness: Unknown
Unroll: None as of December 16.
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