What is the Difference Between AstraZeneca and Pfizer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main differences between the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines lie in their technology and authorization status. Here are the key differences:
- Technology: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine uses mRNA technology, while the AstraZeneca vaccine uses an adenovirus vector.
- Authorization: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in the United States and has received full FDA approval. On the other hand, the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been authorized for emergency use in the US by the FDA but has received authorization from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In terms of effectiveness, real-world data suggests that both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are equally effective, with no significant difference in the level of protection offered. Studies have shown that both vaccines provide a high level of immunity and are effective against various COVID-19 variants. However, the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the Omicron variant may drop after six months, while a third dose with Pfizer can boost immunity back up to 68%.
Some other differences include:
- Side Effects: The side effects of both vaccines are similar, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea throughout the body. If any side effects occur, they should subside within a few days.
- Companies: Pfizer-BioNTech is a collaboration between the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer and the German biotechnology company BioNTech. AstraZeneca is a British and Swedish pharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- Virion/Production: Crude measurement of induced yellow fever immunity by plaque neutralization test.
Comparative Table: AstraZeneca vs Pfizer
Here is a table comparing the differences between the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines:
Feature | AstraZeneca | Pfizer-BioNTech |
---|---|---|
Technology | Adenovirus vector | mRNA technology |
Doses | 2 doses, 28 days apart | 2 doses, 21 days apart |
Efficacy | 70.4% | 95% |
Authorization | Authorized in many countries, but not in the US | Authorized in the US and many other countries |
Side Effects | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea | Similar side effects to AstraZeneca |
Booster | Recommended to mix with Pfizer or Moderna | A third dose with Pfizer boosts immunity to 68% |
Please note that the information in this table is based on the available search results and is subject to change as new data emerges.
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