Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. You can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. It is predominantly a respiratory (lung) illness, but it can also impact other parts of the body.
How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?
There are two types of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States: mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna), protein subunit vaccine (Novavax).
The mRNA vaccines contain instructions for human cells to produce a small fragment of the spike protein. This spike protein is usually found on the outside of the COVID-19 virus. Once the mRNA vaccine is in the body, the immune system uses the instructions to produce this spike protein and breaks down the mRNA. The immune system then recognizes the spike protein and develops a response to get rid of the protein. This response guides the body to fight off future infections from the COVID-19 virus.
The protein subunit vaccine contains a version of the spike protein and another inactive ingredient that stimulates the immune system. The immune system recognizes the spike protein and develops a response to get rid of the protein. The body will then remember this response to fight future COVID-19 infections.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective to prevent infection and reduce serious illness. They were evaluated for safety during clinical trials that studied the vaccines in tens of thousands of people. These vaccines continue to be monitored for safety since they were approved for use by the FDA.
The most common side effects are swelling and pain at the injection site, fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, chills, and nausea. A severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine is very rare.
Rare heart conditions, myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammatory conditions of the heart muscle and tissue), have been reported following vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Although it is rare occurrence, it is found more often in males 12 – 24 years of age. This condition is also reported at a higher rate in people who are infected with COVID-19.
What are variants?
Viruses, including COVID-19, may change slightly over time as they reproduce inside the human body and throughout the population. These changes lead to variants of the virus, which may have slightly different characteristics from the original or previous version of the virus.
As new variants are identified, experts study them to understand any new characteristics they may have, such as how it spreads and what happens to people who are infected with the variant virus. Experts then recommend updates to the current vaccines to target these changes in the virus variant.
You can protect against COVID-19 infection by getting vaccinated with the most recently updated product.
Summary
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, as shown by clinical trials and millions of doses given throughout the United States. If you have any questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, ask your pharmacist.