What kind of vaccine is Moderna?
The vaccine Spikevax from the manufacturer Moderna is an mRNA vaccine. That is, the preparation consists of the genetic blueprint for the spike protein of the coronavirus Sars-CoV-2, which stimulates the human cell to produce this viral recognition structure independently (temporarily).
What is the efficacy?
Clinical studies confirm that the Moderna vaccine Spikevax (mRNA-1273) from the US manufacturer Moderna has a very high efficacy of around 94 percent against the original wild-type coronavirus. It is also said to be highly effective in older people.
In view of the newly emerged Omikron variant, the STIKO therefore recently adjusted its recommendations: To maintain the best possible protection, it now recommends a third vaccination with another mRNA vaccine – either Comirnaty or Spikevax. However, those under 30 should receive only the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine as a booster.
You can receive the booster dose after an interval of at least three months after second vaccination.
What are the side effects?
Typical vaccination reactions
Moderate typical vaccination reactions occurred in every second person vaccinated. The most common are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. They usually resolved completely by the second day after vaccination.
If you would like to find out more information about typical vaccination reactions following a vaccination, you can find it here.
Rare side effects
Thus, as of the December 31, 2021 cutoff date, the PEI reported approximately 41,200 suspected adverse event reports following a vaccination. These were predominantly:
Anaphylaxis: In some cases, physicians observed cases of hypersensitivity reaction (anaphylaxis) following a vaccination. Therefore, physicians ensure adequate observation (usually for at least 15 minutes) in newly vaccinated individuals to provide medical treatment if needed.
In addition, a total of 125 deaths occurred in temporal connection with the administration of Spikevax. According to the PEI, many of the deceased had (serious) previous illnesses. Therefore, according to current knowledge, it is unlikely that the vaccine administration caused the deaths.
Application
Doctors administer the vaccination intramuscularly. This means that they usually inject the respective vaccination dose into the upper arm. One such vaccine dose is equivalent to 0.5 milliliters containing 100 micrograms of the mRNA lipid nanoparticles.
Mechanism of action
To achieve an immune response, tiny sections of the viral genome are introduced into the body’s cells. They contain the building instructions for the spike protein, with the help of which Sars-CoV-2 slips into the human cells.
Storage
Since an mRNA molecule decomposes very easily, it is packaged into a so-called lipid nanoparticle (LNP) during vaccine production. The LNP itself is mainly a combination of mRNA and an additive called SM-102. Among other things, this additive makes the vaccine construct stable and storable.