COVID-19 Vaccines: Similarities and Differences

Because the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by following information from your local officials and by visiting the CDC website.

As of March 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency-use authorization to three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech’s, Moderna’s, and Johnson & Johnson’s (also known as Janssen). All available vaccines provide extremely strong protection against severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection and significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or death. The two main differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are the dosage amounts and the technology. We break these differences down for you.

Understanding the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccines 

Evaluating the Efficacy Rates of Approved COVID-19 Vaccines 

No vaccine is 100% effective. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have much higher efficacy rates against moderate to severe COVID-19 illness compared to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but it’s not that simple. The FDA warns that it’s incorrect to compare any vaccine against another unless they are both included in a head-to-head clinical trial because timing and geographic differences can affect these rates. 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and death. Clinical trials for the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine occurred several months after previously developed vaccines, and therefore faced variants of the COVID-19 virus that were not present when the other vaccines were tested. All available vaccines provide extremely strong protection against severe symptomatic COVID-19 illness and significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or death.

Things to Consider After Getting Vaccinated

It is still possible to get COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, so it is essential to continue practicing safe behaviors, including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, to prevent the spread of disease. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. 

While it’s important to know the details about the different vaccines, the supply of each varies between locations, so it is unlikely that vaccine recipients will have a choice between the brands. Any vaccine available to you is the one you should consider to help reduce your risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization. 

Request a vaccine and learn more about our distribution efforts. 

Sources:
CDC | Different COVID-19 Vaccines
FDA | COVID-19 Vaccines