Moderna Vaccine Approved – What You Need To Know & How It Compares With Pfizer

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia, with millions of doses expected over the upcoming months. So how does the Moderna vaccine work, and how is it different to the Pfizer?

The Moderna vaccine is an mRNA vaccine. In essence, mRNA is a temporary genetic instruction that tells our cells to make a specific protein. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine consist of mRNA encoding the coronavirus spike protein in an oily coating that helps the mRNA enter our cells. When the mRNA from the vaccine enters our cells, they make the spike protein and display on their surface, which triggers the immune system and allows you to develop immunity against the protein.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine differ very slightly in the mRNA sequence and oily coatings, and Moderna notably also has more than 3 times the amount of mRNA material. Moderna can also be stored at -50C to -15C, which can be achieved with standard freezers. Most importantly, they both are highly effective – new studies based on real-world data show that Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are 80-90% effective at preventing asymptomatic infection, 90% effective at preventing symptomatic infection, and 95% effective at preventing hospitalisation. Moderna has also announced no change in efficacy 6 months after patients received their vaccine, so immunity appears to be lasting well. If you become eligible for the Pfizer or Moderna, both are fantastic vaccine options and will help protect you and others from COVID-19.

Sove CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.