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.
