COVID-19 Vaccines

By Jennie Ponce Gutierrez

As COVID-19 cases increase, many scientists got to work to make a vaccine that can slow or stop the increase of individuals infected with COVID-19. The vaccines currently being administered are Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. 

Pfizer is 90% effective with mild side effects such as an achy arm and a mild fever. The Pfizer is a vaccine that many have been waiting for. The process of shipping the vaccine has been the most monitored to keep the vaccine in good condition. Pfizer is kept in dry ice at a temperature of 70° C. It is kept at a very cold temperature because the vaccine uses RNA and mRNA which prompts the patient’s cells to make the COVID-19 virus protein, then the protein will push the immune system and respond as if it were the real COVID-19 infection. The first to receive the Pfizer vaccine were healthcare workers. You can find out more about mRNA vaccines through the CDC Website.

Moderna is the second vaccine that is being administered at this time. Moderna is 94% effective with a few side effects such as tiredness, chills, and headaches. The first to receive the Moderna vaccine were government healthcare officials. 

At this time there aren’t any significant safety concerns regarding the vaccines. Many have their opinion on whether they want to receive the vaccine and those who don’t. Many anti-vax are against receiving the vaccine due to side effects, the elements in the vaccine, the political aspects, and the controversy of potentially getting the COVID-19 protein. Pro-vax are towards receiving the vaccine to be “immune”, and stay safe. Although many controversies are surrounding COVID-19. Many scientists are working hard for a vaccine that can help reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19.