We have all desperately wished for a COVID vaccine to exist since it’s the only way out of this emotionally and socially draining quarantine. Now, with the hope brought upon by the new year and as distribution of the vaccines are rolled out, some are eager and hopeful for its potential in ending the pandemic.
However, not everyone shares the same sentiments about this news. Others see it as a blind risk due to the limited amount of time in its development and testing. Speculations and claims have already circulated all-round various online platforms creating mistrust and doubt amongst the people about the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Well, in reality the potential benefits actually outweigh the risks. All the vaccines have gone through clinical trials to ensure safety and effectiveness. Aside from that, initial testing has already shown a high efficacy rate for most of the vaccines. It is no secret that COVID-19 is a serious disease. It can be easily spread and has even caused fatal outcomes. These vaccines are able to provide immunity against the virus. As many of the general population have become hesitant to accept it fearing the side effects it may have on their health, it is vital that people understand how these vaccines actually work.
Moderna Vaccine
Although the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine employs a somewhat new approach of protection against diseases, the study of mRNA technology is nothing entirely new. The mRNA vaccine does not require the injection of an inactive form of a virus into the body. Instead, the injected mRNA provides the instructions in order for the immune cells to produce a spike protein of the COVID-19. The protein triggers an immune response. This then creates antibodies that would fight off the threat. Since the immune system has already learned how to protect the body from infection, it is now able to recognize and defend itself from the virus in the event that it was to enter the body. Overall, results have shown high efficacy of 94.1%. Along with Arcturus Therapeutics, it aims to provide at least 4 million to 25 million of the vaccines to be sent to the Philippines. However, there is still no official confirmation of the secured deal.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the US FDA for emergency use. It uses the same mRNA technology as the Moderna vaccine wherein the vaccine injects mRNA that instructs the cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response. This vaccine has the highest efficacy rate so far with 95% and is also proven to be effective with the new coronavirus strain. As a downside in the Philippines’ part, the vaccine needs to be kept at an ultra-low of -70OC, which poses difficulty in freezer storage and quality maintenance, considering the country’s lack of proper materials. Still, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is among the vaccines that are being considered for the expected 148 million doses administered to Filipinos.
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was made through the combination of a weakened common cold virus (known as adenovirus) and the spike protein found on the surface of the coronavirus. Once injected into the body, cells start to produce the spike protein. The body’s immune system detects this threat. In response, it produces antibodies and T-cells to eliminate the cells that contain the spike protein. If the coronavirus were to enter the body, it would trigger the production of antibodies and T-cells which would fight off the virus. It is cheaper and also easier to distribute compared to other vaccines since it does not need to be kept at extreme temperatures and can simply be stored in a normal fridge. Through the donations of private sectors, the Philippine government was able to secure 2.6 million vaccines initially and expects an additional 3.7 million.
Sinovac Vaccine
Developed by Sinovac Biotech, this vaccine (also known as CoronaVac) is among the first vaccines that will be distributed in the Philippines. It uses inactivated vaccine technology which, according to WHO, uses a live form of the virus that has been inactivated or weakened so it doesn’t cause disease but still generates an immune response. Sinovac vaccine recently underwent its late-stage trials in Brazil and was said to have a 78% efficacy rate in preventing mild cases of COVID-19, significantly lower than that of Pfizer and Moderna. In regards to the cost, it is the second-most expensive vaccine next to Moderna, with P3,629.50 for two doses per person. It is expected that about 25 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine will be delivered to the Philippines as early as February 2021.
These vaccines have their similarities and differences but all have the same goal of protecting us from further complications from the virus and potentiallly ending the pandemic. It is inevitable to have hesitation in taking the vaccine because of how quickly it was developed, but we must also remember that the professionals behind making the vaccine have gone through multiple phases and trials in making sure that it is safe to be administered. Taking the COVID-19 vaccine is not only a precaution and protection for ourselves but also those around us, especially to those who are most vulnerable when it comes to recovering from the virus.
Sources:
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/1/11/Local-government-units-COVID-19-vaccine-deals.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55302595
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/12/28/Moderna-COVID-19-vaccines-Philippines-supply.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-vaccines-comparison-pfizer-sinovac-moderna-13784890
Danielle Liwanag & Megan Olladas
HiLites ASHS 