7 Important Facts About the Moderna Vaccine

• Data as of June, 2021 shows that the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections among the general population, and offers 86.4% protection among those over the age of 65. Moreover, this type of vaccine offers 100% protection against a severe COVID-19 infection and reduces the chance of death attributed to the disease by 100%.
• Unwanted side effects resulting from the Moderna vaccine occur in around 0.03% of all those who receive a dose, although most symptoms tend to go away within 2–3 days. Additionally, serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties, inflammation of the mouth, facial swelling, palpitations, and full-body rash only occur in just 2.5 out of every 1,000,000 cases.

The Moderna vaccine is an mRNA-1273 vaccine, representing the latest advancements in the field of preventive medicine. This type of vaccine differs from other vaccines, including protein-based vaccines, inactivated vaccines and viral vector vaccines. It has been developed by ModernaTX Inc. in America and is considered one of the most effective Covid-19 vaccines in the world today.

As soon as the Food and Drug Administration registered the patent for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine – making it a controlled substance as of May 13, 2021 for which the registration certificate extends to May 12, 2022 – questions sprung up regarding its efficacy and safety. We have put together a comprehensive list of questions and answers below:

• The first part is the genetic code called the mRNA, or spike, of the SAR-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 infections which plays a vital role in helping the virus latch onto cells and enables the infection to take hold in the respiratory system.
• The second part is the lipid nanoparticle used as a covering for the mRNA, which prevents the breakdown from ribonuclease enzymes found throughout the body.

Once the mRNA vaccine is injected into the body, the cells at the injection site will ingest the lipid nanoparticle containing the mRNA. These cells will begin to produce a protein similar to the spike found in the COVID-19 virus. This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies designed specifically to fight against the spike from the Covid-19 virus. It is this reaction that gives the patient protection against an infection.

The Moderna vaccine was accredited by WHO on April 30, 2021 for use in preventing COVID-19 infections, and was registered by the Thai FDA on May 13, 2021. Data show the vaccine to be 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections among the general population, while offering 86.4% protection for those over the age of 65. The vaccine also offers 100% protection against a severe COVID-19 infection and reduces the chance of death attributed to the disease by 100%. Moreover, recent laboratory testing has shown it to be effective in stimulating an immune system response strong enough to provide protection against both the B.1.17 English strain and the B.1.135 South African strain of the virus.

This vaccine is suitable for use in adults over 18, who require 2 doses 4 weeks apart for full protection. Currently, there are more than 14 countries using this vaccine, including America, Canada, Switzerland, England, some European Union countries, Israel, Qatar, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan.

Data sourced from safety testing among a group of 15,000 volunteers carried out by the American Communicable Disease Center revealed that just 0.03% of the general population experienced unwanted side effects after receiving the vaccine. The report details are as follows:

• Minor symptoms, such as slight to moderate pain at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, aches and pains, shivers, a fever, dizziness, and nausea, normally dissipate within 2–3 days.
• The rate of severe allergic reactions involving breathing difficulties, inflammation of the lips, facial swelling, palpitations, or an all-over body rash was just 2.5 in every 1,000,000 cases.

A report filed on May 8, 2021 revealed that clinical trials of the Moderna vaccine on 12–17 year olds found it to be up to 96% effective in preventing the infection. Additionally, there are currently ongoing trials for patients aged 6 months to 11 years that are yet to produce clear results. In Thailand, the question of whether those under 18 can receive the vaccine must wait until the Thai Ministry of Public Health provides a definitive answer.

• Patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to ingredients found in this or other mRNA vaccines should consult a doctor before receiving the vaccine.
• Patients who are unwell or suspect they may be infected with Covid-19 should not receive the vaccine.
• People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and other associated disorders that require regular medication may receive the vaccine if their condition is stable and their doctor has agreed that it is safe to do so.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can be vaccinated if their pregnancy is older than 12 weeks (Source: Department of Health). Indeed, these groups have already been receiving the vaccine in America and some other countries. There is no evidence to show that immunity can be transferred from mother to baby via breast milk. Vaccinations should only take place under the guidance of the mother’s regular doctor.
• People who have recently received another brand of Covid-19 vaccine should consult their doctor before receiving this vaccine.
• Given the relative youth of all Covid-19 vaccines and the lack of data related to combinations of Covid-19 vaccines, it is recommended that a gap of at least 4 weeks be allowed between vaccinations to avoid any unwanted physical reaction that could disrupt the efficacy of the protection provided.

Click here for more information about alternative covid-19 vaccines.