The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to vaccines, and two of the most widely used vaccines are Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective, but which one is better?
About Pfizer and Moderna
Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA vaccines. This means that they contain genetic material that instructs the body to produce the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The spike protein is what the virus uses to enter cells, so by producing antibodies against the spike protein, the vaccines can prevent the virus from infecting cells.
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both given in two doses, 21 days apart. The vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. They are also effective against the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus.
Similarities Between Pfizer and Moderna
- Both vaccines are mRNA vaccines.
- Both vaccines are given in two doses, 21 days apart.
- Both vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
- Both vaccines are effective against the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus.
Differences Between Pfizer and Moderna
- Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people 5 years of age and older. Moderna vaccine is approved for use in people 18 years of age and older.
- Pfizer vaccine is slightly more effective than Moderna vaccine at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Moderna vaccine is slightly more effective than Pfizer vaccine at preventing severe COVID-19.
- Pfizer vaccine has a slightly higher risk of side effects than Moderna vaccine.
Which Vaccine Is Better?
Ultimately, the best vaccine for you is the one that is available to you and that you are willing to get. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective, so you can be confident that you are getting a good vaccine no matter which one you choose.
Additional Information
- The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years of age and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.
- The CDC recommends that people who are immunocompromised get a third dose of the vaccine.
- The CDC recommends that people who are over 50 years of age or who have certain underlying medical conditions get a booster dose of the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which vaccine is more effective? Pfizer vaccine is slightly more effective than Moderna vaccine at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Moderna vaccine is slightly more effective than Pfizer vaccine at preventing severe COVID-19.
- Which vaccine has more side effects? Pfizer vaccine has a slightly higher risk of side effects than Moderna vaccine.
- Which vaccine is approved for use in children? Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people 5 years of age and older. Moderna vaccine is approved for use in people 18 years of age and older.
- Which vaccine is recommended for people who are immunocompromised? The CDC recommends that people who are immunocompromised get a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
- Which vaccine is recommended for people who are over 50 years of age? The CDC recommends that people who are over 50 years of age get a booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
| Feature | Pfizer | Moderna |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Age: | 5 years and older | 18 years and older |
| Efficacy (Symptomatic COVID-19): | 95% | 94% |
| Efficacy (Severe COVID-19): | 98% | 96% |
| Side Effects: | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Cost: | $19.50 per dose | $25.50 per dose |
The best vaccine for you is the one that is available to you and that you are willing to get. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective, so you can be confident that you are getting a good vaccine no matter which one you choose.
- Your age: Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people 5 years of age and older. Moderna vaccine is approved for use in people 18 years of age and older.
- Your health: People who are immunocompromised or who have certain underlying medical conditions may need to get a third dose of the vaccine.
- Your location: The availability of vaccines can vary depending on your location.
If you have any questions about which vaccine is right for you, talk to your doctor.
- Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective.
- Pfizer vaccine is slightly more effective than Moderna vaccine at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
- Moderna vaccine is slightly more effective than Pfizer vaccine at preventing severe COVID-19.
- Pfizer vaccine has a slightly higher risk of side effects than Moderna vaccine.
- The best vaccine for you is the one that is available to you and that you are willing to get.
- Which vaccine is more effective? Pfizer vaccine is slightly more effective than Moderna vaccine at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Moderna vaccine is slightly more effective than Pfizer vaccine at preventing severe COVID-19.
- Which vaccine has more side effects? Pfizer vaccine has a slightly higher risk of side effects than Moderna vaccine.
- Which vaccine is approved for use in children? Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people 5 years of age and older. Moderna vaccine is approved for use in people 18 years of age and older.
- Which vaccine is recommended for people who are immunocompromised? The CDC recommends that people who are immunocompromised get a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
- Which vaccine is recommended for people who are over 50 years of age? The CDC recommends that people who are over 50 years of age get a booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
