Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was the first vaccine to be approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the prevention of Coronavirus infection.
To accelerate the rate of vaccinations in the country, the government is now in talks with Pfizer for the supply of its vaccine to India.
Let’s look at some important facts about the vaccine.
10 Fast Facts About Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine
1. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is developed by BioNtech, a German biotechnology company, in collaboration with Pfizer, an American pharmaceutical company.
2. The vaccine was first authorized for use in December 2020 on an emergency basis in the United Kingdom. It is now approved for use in 84 countries across the globe.
3. It is an mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine that works by instructing the cells of your body to generate the spike proteins that are found in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 infection.
This helps generate an immune response, initiating the generation of antibodies specific to the novel Coronavirus.
4. The mRNA vaccines do not contain weakened or dead parts of the virus. They work by tricking your body to produce the viral proteins by themselves.
5. This is a two-dose vaccine, taken anywhere between 21-28 days apart. Individuals who are 12 years or older are authorized to take the vaccine.
6. According to WHO (World Health Organization), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is found to be 95% effective against Coronavirus infection.
7. The common side effects of the vaccine include muscle pain, tiredness, nausea, fever, and pain, redness, and mild swelling at the injection site.
Serious side effects are rare and may include difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and rashes on your body.
8. The vaccine remains stable when refrigerated at a temperature of 2-8 °C.
9. You should not opt for the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the same vaccine or if you are allergic to any ingredients of the vaccine.
10. If you have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking the Pfizer vaccine.
As per the indication from the government, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be available in India from July 2021. This is definitely a new ray of hope in India’s fight against the pandemic.
References:
1. Fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download> [Accessed 31 May 2021].
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html> [Accessed 31 May 2021].
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2021. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. [online] Available at: <https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine> [Accessed 31 May 2021].
Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.