Latest Update on Covid-19 Vaccine Information: Everything You Need to Know
The Covid-19 pandemic has been ravaging the world since its outbreak in 2019. With more than 200 million infections, the pandemic has claimed millions of lives worldwide. In response to this, several countries around the world, including the US, have been in a race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. With various vaccines already available, it’s essential to know the latest update on the Covid-19 vaccine to keep ourselves informed about possible developments in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.
Types of Covid-19 Vaccines
Currently, there are three main types of Covid-19 vaccines available globally — the mRNA vaccine, vector vaccine, and inactivated virus vaccine.
The mRNA Vaccine: The mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, works by transporting messenger RNA to our cells, which codes for the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This process results in the production of spike protein that triggers our immune system to produce antibodies that recognize and fight the virus.
The Vector Vaccine: The vector vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, works by utilizing a harmless virus to carry the genetic code of the spike protein into our cells, resulting in the production of similar spike proteins as in the mRNA vaccine.
The Inactivated Virus Vaccine: The inactivated virus vaccine uses a weakened version of the virus to help our body build immunity. This is how vaccines such as Sinovac and Bharat Biotech work.
Latest Update on Covid-19 Vaccines
Currently, several Covid-19 vaccines are regularly being updated and developed to fight the new strains of the virus. Many countries have already started administering booster doses to people to enhance the effectiveness of the existing vaccines. While many vaccine manufacturers are developing and testing new vaccines, some are also testing the efficacy of mix-and-match vaccine regimens, an approach that involves administering different types of vaccines for the first and second doses.
Moreover, some vaccines require a different vaccination schedule or dosage to maximize their effectiveness. For instance, the AstraZeneca vaccine has proven to be more effective when the second dose is given 12 weeks apart rather than the initial 21 days.
Benefits of Covid-19 Vaccination
Getting vaccinated can protect us against serious Covid-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. The vaccine has also shown to be effective in preventing the transmission of the virus. Moreover, vaccinated individuals are less likely to be infected with the Delta variant, a highly contagious version of the virus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the latest update on Covid-19 vaccine information is that more vaccines are currently being developed to fight new strains of the virus. With the rise of the Delta variant, it is essential to get vaccinated to stay protected from the virus. While there are still uncertainties regarding mix-and-match vaccine regimens, it’s crucial to keep ourselves informed about the latest vaccine developments to make the best decision regarding our health and well-being.
