Nia White | Staff Writer
A current dilemma that faces many Americans today is whether or not to get vaccinated and which vaccine they should take. Currently there are three different types: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Janseen/Johnson & Johnson.
For Hampton students, vaccination is required for students to return to campus for the fall semester. Each of the vaccines’ goals is to “build protection” against the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says “COVID-19 vaccines build immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without actually getting sick. It takes a few weeks for the vaccine to build the immunity, so it is possible to get the virus right after receiving the vaccination.” As with any vaccine, side effects are possible. Common side effects of all vaccines at the site of the shot are pain, redness, and swelling. The vaccines also include other side effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.”
With three vaccines currently being used by the American public, each vaccine has a different method of treatment. “The Moderna vaccine is a mRNA vaccine, which produces a protein that the immune system recognizes does not belong and is prevented from replicating,” said the Mayo Clinic. According to the CDC, “the vaccination process includes two shots, 28 days apart.” The vaccine is recommended for anyone age 18 and older; however, it is not recommended for those that have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine, specifically polyethylene glycol.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech is also a mRNA vaccine, that consists of two shots, 21 days apart,” said the Mayo Clinic. “This vaccine is recommended for anyone age 16 or older, but is not recommended for anyone who has had a severe or immediate allergic reaction,” said the CDC.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “The Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a viral vector vaccine, which means the weakened virus is inserted into cells and the immune system responds by creating antibodies to fight the virus.” “The J&J/Janssen vaccine only requires one shot,” says the CDC.” The J&J/ Janssen vaccine is recommended for people aged 18 and older, but not for people who are allergic to polysorbate, which is found in the vaccine.
While there are some differences between the vaccines all essentially prevent the same thing, which is the severity and spread of COVID-19.
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