Know more about all the COVID19 Vaccine-Pfizer (ingredients, side effect and how it work) Part 2

 

This is my second blog on COVID19 vaccine. In this one, I will give you more information about Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Tozinameran or BNT162b2) is used to protect against COVID-19. This disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The vaccine is approved for people who are 12 years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than 12 years of age have not yet been established.

Health Canada first authorized this vaccine with conditions on December 9, 2020, under the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19. On May 5, 2021, the authorization was expanded to include individuals aged 12 to 15. 

Find detailed technical information about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, such as the product monograph and our regulatory decision summary, in the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments regulatory portal.

 

Ingredients

Medicinal ingredient

mRNA

Non-medicinal ingredients

·       ALC-0315 = ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

·       ALC-0159 = 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide

·       1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine

·       cholesterol

·       dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate

·       monobasic potassium phosphate

·       potassium chloride

·       sodium chloride

·       sucrose

·       water for injection

 

How it works

mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response without using the live virus that causes COVID-19. Once triggered, our body then makes antibodies. These antibodies help us fight the infection if the real virus does enter our body in the future.

 

‘RNA’ stands for ribonucleic acid, which is a molecule that provides cells with instructions for making proteins. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines contain the genetic instructions for making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.

 

When a person is given the vaccine, their cells will read the genetic instructions like a recipe and produce the spike protein. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.

 

The cell then displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins building an immune response and making antibodies.

 

How it is given

The vaccine is given by an injection (0.3 mL) into the muscle of the arm. For the vaccine to work best, you need to get 2 doses: a single dose and then a second dose 21 days later.

 

Immunity develops over time. It takes about 2 weeks to develop significant protection against COVID-19. For the greatest protection, you will need the second dose.

Clinical studies showed that, beginning 1 week after the second dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine was:

95% effective in protecting trial participants aged 16 and above against COVID-19 and100% effective in participants 12 to 15 years old

Possible side effects

In general, the side effects observed during the clinical trials are similar to what you might have with other vaccines.

The side effects that followed vaccine administration in clinical trials were mild or moderate. They included things like pain at the site of injection, body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish.

These are common side effects of vaccines and do not pose a risk to health.

As with all vaccines, there is a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. A serious side effect might be something like an allergic reaction. Speak with your health professional about any serious allergies or other health conditions you may have before you receive this vaccine.

Health Canada has conducted a rigorous scientific review of the available medical evidence to assess the safety of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. No major safety concerns have been identify in the data that we reviewed.