Best COVID-19 Vaccine: A Comparison for Adults, Minors, and Various Age Groups
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that there is no preference for one COVID-19 vaccine over another when multiple options are available, based on one's age and health. As of now, the U.S. uses five COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.
These vaccines fall into two categories: mRNA and protein subunit vaccines. mRNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, work by using messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct your body to produce a small part of the protein found in the virus that causes COVID-19. Protein subunit vaccines, on the other hand, use a part of the virus itself.
All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective against the coronavirus, particularly in preventing hospitalization and death. According to a 2023 clinical study, Novavax was 100% effective for preventing severe disease in adults. In people over 65 years old who were given three vaccine doses, both mRNA and protein subunit vaccines provided comparable protection against death.
A 2022 review of studies found that individuals are seven times more likely to experience myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) after infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 than after a COVID-19 vaccination. To help improve immune response and reduce the risk of myocarditis even more, extending the time between doses to 8 weeks is recommended. The risk of myocarditis related to mRNA vaccines in children has decreased significantly.
The CDC-approved vaccination schedule for non-immunocompromised individuals varies for Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines. For immunocompromised individuals, the schedule differs slightly. In some cases, a booster dose may be recommended as soon as 8 weeks after the last dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine, as opposed to the standard 6-month interval.
Pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommending mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. In children, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are generally safe, with lower doses deemed safe for children ages 6 months to 5 years.
In rare cases, immunocompromised individuals may require additional support to build an adequate immune response from a vaccine. Pemivivart (Pemgarda) may be recommended by a doctor in such instances.
The AAP recommends vaccination for every child 6 months or older, while the ACOG emphasizes the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines despite changes in CDC guidelines for pregnant women. The CDC recommends the 2024-2025 versions for all COVID-19 vaccines because these vaccines are made for the most recent variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19).
In summary, it is crucial to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. The vaccines available are safe, effective, and crucial in the fight against the pandemic.
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