There are several vaccines rolling out the world over as a defense mechanism against the coronavirus. One of the frontrunners is Pfizer-BioNTech, which is now available at your trusted, reputable family pharmacy in Edmonton. It’s available in multiple countries and is being rolled out accordingly. Any side effects that have been reported tend to only be for a couple of days, and are relatively mild.
The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine
As previously mentioned, the Pfizer vaccine is a shot which can help people stay protected and shielded from contracting the COVID-19 virus. The brand name it goes by is Comirnaty. It is the joint creation of bio-pharmaceutical companies Pfizer Inc. and the German biotechnology company BioNTech.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has stated that this vaccine is generally doled out by people in two doses. The second dose is recommended to be administered a month and a half (6 weeks) after the first. However, the minimal recommended interval is three weeks (21 days), meaning that it is possible to have your second dose then.
What’s the Science Behind the Pfizer Vaccine Against the Coronavirus?
Once the Pfizer vaccine is administered, the body experiences an immune response triggered by a protein through the vaccine. This is because of mRNA (messenger RNA), which is introduced to the cells by the vaccine. That same molecule is what guides the cells in order for said protein to come to light. It comes from SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 causing virus.
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the Pfizer vaccine doesn’t carry any allergens like preservatives, latex, or eggs. It is made up of the following:
- Certain types of salt (sodium chloride, potassium chloride)
- Basic sodium phosphate dihydrate
- Lipids (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis (ALC-3015), (2- hexyldecanoate),2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide (ALC-0159), 1,2-distearoyl-snglycero-3-phosphocholine (DPSC), cholesterol)
- Monobasic potassium phosphate
- mRNA
- Sucrose
Is the Pfizer Vaccine for Everyone?
The short answer is: no. It is possible to go to the nearest pharmacy and not get a shot. There are certain concerns in terms of safety that means a number of adults cannot take it. However, the good news is that the majority are able to. People that have allergies to polysorbate, PEG (polyethylene glycol) or anything that can be found in a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are advised by the CDC to not get the Pfizer vaccine in their system as they bear the risk of experiencing an immediate allergic reaction.
Symptoms of an immediate allergic reaction occur within the first four hours of exposure, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling
- The following circumstances should also be brought up with a doctor prior to getting the Pfizer vaccine:
- Bleeding disorder
- Breastfeeding
- Immune system is compromised
- Pregnancy (or plans to conceive)
- Received a different COVID-19 vaccine
- Currently on blood thinners or immunosuppressants
It’s worth noting that when discussing the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine, there is a distinction between “effectiveness” (real-world performance) and “efficacy” (controlled, ideal/clinical trial performance). In Israel, a huge study of over a million supported initial findings during clinical trials: two Pfizer vaccine doses lowered symptomatic COVID-19 cases by 94% within a week of the second dose.
Conclusion
The Pfizer vaccine is one of the prevalent vaccines becoming available to the world in the wake of coronavirus. It’s not for everyone but the majority of adults are eligible. Studies have supported clinical trials that have indicated its effectiveness.
Looking for a reputable Canadian pharmacy where you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out Heritage IDA Pharmacy today! We are dedicated to providing up-to-date advice and health care knowledge coupled with personalized care.
