Know more about all the Moderna COVID19 Vaccine (ingredients, side effect and how it work)

This is my first blog on COVID19 vaccine. In this one, I will give you more information about Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273) is use to prevent COVID-19. This disease is cause by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The vaccine is approved for people who are 18 years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than 18 years of age have not yet been established.

Health Canada authorized this vaccine with conditions on December 23, 2020, under the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19. 

Find detailed technical information about the Moderna vaccine, such as the product monograph and our regulatory decision summary, in the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments regulatory portal.

 

What is inside the vaccine?

Ingredients

Medicinal ingredient-mRNA

Non-medicinal ingredients

·       1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)

·       acetic acid

·       cholesterol

·       lipid SM-102

·       polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2000 DMG

·       sodium acetate

·       sucrose

·       tromethamine

·       tromethamine hydrochloride water for injection

 

How it works

mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response without using the live virus that causes COVID-19. Once triggered, our body then makes antibodies. These antibodies help us fight the infection if the real virus does enter our body in the future.

‘RNA’ stands for ribonucleic acid, which is a molecule that provides cells with instructions for making proteins. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines contain the genetic instructions for making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.

When a person vaccine the vaccine is given, their cells will read the genetic instructions like a recipe and produce the spike protein. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.

The cell then displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein does not belong there and begins building an immune response and making antibodies.

How it is given

The vaccine is given by an injection (0.5 mL) into the muscle of the arm. For the vaccine to work best, you need to get 2 doses: a single dose and then a second dose one month apart.

Immunity develops over time. It takes about 2 weeks to develop significant protection against COVID-19. For the greatest protection, you will need the second dose.

Based on studies in about 30,000 participants, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 2 weeks after the second dose.

Possible side effects

In general, the side effects observed during the clinical trials are similar to what you might have with other vaccines.

The side effects that followed vaccine administration in clinical trials were mild or moderate. They included things like pain at the site of injection, body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish. 

These are common side effects of vaccines and do not pose a risk to health.

As with all vaccines, there is a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. A serious side effect might be something like an allergic reaction. Speak with your health professional about any serious allergies or other health conditions you may have before you receive this vaccine.

Health Canada has conducted a rigorous scientific review of the available medical evidence to assess the safety of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. No major safety concerns have been identify in the data that we reviewed.