The best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is to get the new Covid vaccine as immunity from previous infection and vaccination wanes. There are three currently available vaccines in the United States – Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax. The main purpose of these vaccines is not to prevent infection, but rather to protect individuals from getting severely ill and requiring hospitalization or potentially dying from the virus. The FDA has recently approved updated mRNA Pfizer and Moderna boosters, as well as the Novavax vaccine, to better target the current circulating variants in the community. The Novavax vaccine is the newest vaccine available and works differently from the mRNA vaccines.
The mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, work by causing the body to create a piece of a protein similar to one found in the coronavirus. This protein triggers an immune response that leads to the production of antibodies against Covid-19. The Novavax vaccine, on the other hand, already contains a specially formulated harmless protein that prompts the body to create antibodies against the virus. It also contains an ingredient known as an adjuvant, which helps bolster the immune system’s response.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been updated multiple times to protect against new variants of the virus. These vaccines have similar efficacy rates and are safe for people of different ages. They may cause side effects like injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, fever, and in very rare cases, severe allergic reactions or inflammation of the heart. The Novavax vaccine has also been updated to protect against different variants and has shown high efficacy rates with fewer side effects compared to the mRNA vaccines.
The Covid vaccine that is best for an individual depends on personal preference and guidance from a healthcare provider. The CDC and FDA do not prefer one vaccine over the others, as they are all considered safe and effective. Research has shown that both mRNA and Novavax vaccines have more than 90% effectiveness against the virus. While recent studies suggest that Novavax may cause fewer side effects than the mRNA vaccines, more research is needed to confirm this. Special populations, such as immunocompromised individuals and pregnant people, may need specific recommendations from healthcare providers regarding which vaccine is best for them.
It is important for older and immunocompromised adults to stay up-to-date with their Covid-19 vaccinations, regardless of the brand they choose. Pregnant individuals are also recommended to get vaccinated against Covid-19 to reduce the risk of illness for the mother and protect young babies from getting hospitalized due to the virus. Vaccines.gov is a useful website to find the nearest pharmacy offering Covid vaccines, and individuals can also visit the Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax websites to locate vaccination sites near them. Overall, the key to protecting oneself against Covid-19 is to get vaccinated with the available vaccines and stay informed about updates and recommendations regarding vaccination.
