Know the similarities and differences between Moderna and Pfizer vaccines

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In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines.

The pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech developed one, and the company Moderna developed the other. While both vaccines are mRNA vaccines, they have some differences as well.

Below is more on how the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work, how they are similar, and how they differ.

How mRNA Vaccines Work

Both vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines that contain genetic instructions, called mRNA, for making the spike protein. This protein is a molecule found on the outside of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. One way your body’s immune system recognizes the coronavirus as an intruder is by this spike protein.

Once the vaccine is in the body, cells pick up the mRNA and follow the instructions to make spike proteins. Then the cell displays the spike protein on its outer surface similar to the way a coronavirus does. Because these spike proteins are still only a piece of the whole coronavirus, they cannot harm the body on their own.

When the immune system sees the spike protein, it recognizes it as an intruder and begins building antibodies against it. Antibodies are customized proteins that help the immune system attack any virus carrying that spike protein.

The immune system then stores these antibodies, which can fight the real virus too. The immune system also remembers how to make more of these antibodies if necessary.

The vaccine does not affect your cells’ DNA in any way, and the immune system does not attack your own cells. It will only attack a coronavirus that enters the body and has that spike protein.

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Similar Eligibility

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in children as young as 6 months old. They are the only two COVID-19 vaccines authorized for children.

Similar Vaccine Effectiveness

Both vaccines are effective against COVID-19, especially in preventing severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Similar Side Effects and Vaccine Safety

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have similar side effects. Many people who receive either vaccine had mild pain at the injection site, tiredness, or headache. The following mild side effects were also common in both vaccines:

  • Muscle pain.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Joint pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylactic reactions, are possible with any vaccine, including both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. A severe anaphylactic reaction means the person has to use an EpiPen or other epinephrine device or go to the hospital.

Anaphylaxis is rare, according to monitoring data and clinical trials. People who have a history of allergy or anaphylaxis should follow guidelines on receiving or deferring the vaccine. Everyone should monitor their symptoms and seek care if they experience a reaction.

Everyone who had severe allergic reactions received treatment and recovered completely. No one has died because of receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. People with a history of severe anaphylactic reactions should speak to their doctor with any questions about getting the vaccine.

The CDC is monitoring reports of the heart conditions myocarditis and pericarditis in people who received the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, especially adolescents and young adults.

According to the CDC, the reported cases were rare and happened mostly in male adolescents and young adults 16 and older. Symptoms usually presented within days of vaccination, and patients typically responded well to rest and medications.

The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for Americans.

Differences Between Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines

The schedule for when you get vaccine doses is different depending on your age and which vaccine you receive. Those factors also affect how many doses you receive and what your dose size is.

Both vaccines require specialized cold storage, but the Pfizer vaccine has much colder temperature requirements. The Pfizer vaccine requires -94 F (-75 C) for shipping and storage, much colder than typical freezers at doctors’ offices and pharmacies. After it thaws, the Pfizer vaccine remains good for five days in a normal refrigerator.

The Moderna vaccine requires -4 F (-20 C) for shipping and storage, similar to a typical home freezer. Once opened, the Moderna vaccine remains good at refrigerator temperature for 30 days and at room temperature for 12 hours.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

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