A Quick Breakdown of the 3 Different COVID Vaccines – COVID-19, Featured, Health Topics – Hackensack Meridian Health

March 1, 2021

As of February 27, there are now three COVID-19 vaccines that have received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. Each vaccine is a little different, but they all have the same goal of protecting you from COVID-19.

Daniel Varga, M.D., chief physician executive at Hackensack Meridian Health shares some key differences and what you should consider when getting the COVID vaccine.

The three vaccines that have received EUA in the United States were developed by Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Heres how the three vaccines compare:

According to Dr. Varga, you should be open to receiving any vaccine thats available to you. All three of the vaccines that received EUA are extremely effective against COVID-19, he says. They each provide protection against severe COVID-19 illness and death. Thats the most important thing.

Some people are concerned that the efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is slightly lower than Pfizer and Moderna, but experts advise the public not to worry. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House Chief Medical Advisor, shared with NBC, If you go to a place and you have J&J, and thats the one thats available now, I would take it, Fauci said. I personally would do the same thing. I think people need to get vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible.

Some Johnson & Johnson Benefits include:

Having the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available opens up so many doors and will get us closer to herd immunity, faster, says Dr. Varga. Between the one-dose option and the standard storage requirements, theres increased opportunity to get the shot into the arms of more people across the globe.

One dose means that health care providers will no longer have to coordinate a second shot with everyone, and ensure that they return at the prescribed time.

The ultra-cold freezers are also expensive, and require a dedicated space to store them. Being able to store doses in a standard refrigerator opens up the opportunity for way more vaccine distribution sites, especially within underserved communities where theres a higher risk of severe illness.

I really believe that people should not get caught up in one type of vaccine versus the other, says Dr. Varga. No matter which one you get, you should get the protection youre looking for against this ugly virus.

To put it into perspective, the flu vaccine varies from 40-60% effective each year. What we have here is three extremely effective vaccines that together, will help us ultimately defeat COVID-19. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated once youre eligible.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Originally posted here:

A Quick Breakdown of the 3 Different COVID Vaccines - COVID-19, Featured, Health Topics - Hackensack Meridian Health