Understanding Pfizer Variants
The large-scale emergence of Covid-19 saw the arrival of many variants spreading like wildfire all around the world. With each major variety, there was a need to develop better vaccines, and that’s when Pfizer joined the league. Pfizer’s variant of coronavirus vaccine, the BNT162b2, has proved to be the most effective and efficient at preventing the virus.
This article explains what Pfizer variants are, why they’re worth the hype and provides a comprehensive knowledge about the Pfizer vaccine.
What Is a Pfizer Variant?
A Pfizer variant is a type of vaccine developed by the pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer & BioNTech, specifically designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This variant is an mRNA vaccine, which acts by creating a template in a person’s cells that prompt an immune response against the virus. This type of vaccine offers distinct advantages over traditional vaccines, such as being easy to store, rapid to produce and necessary for large scale vaccine production.
Why Is the Pfizer Variant Worth the Hype?
The Pfizer variant is worth the hype due to several reasons, some of which are:
• It is the first vaccine to demonstrate high effectiveness against the virus. One study showed it to be 90% effective.
• It is the first mRNA vaccine approved for use and is the most widely-used vaccine currently available.
• It is the most reliable and well-tested vaccine out there, having conducted rigorous tests on more than 44,000 people prior to being approved for public use.
• It is the first vaccine to be tested in pregnant women, showing no adverse effects.
• It can be stored for up to 30 days at about -4℉ before being administered.
How Does the Pfizer Variant Work?
The Pfizer variant works by creating a template in an individual’s cells that prompt an immune response against the virus. This is done by using a special set of genetic material, known as messenger RNA (mRNA). This genetic material contains instructions that prompt the cells to make a harmless version of the virus’ spike protein. Once this spike protein is created, the immune system is alerted and creates antibodies and T cells that recognize the virus and fight it off.
Other Benefits of the Pfizer Vaccine
In addition to being effective and efficient, the Pfizer variant provides many other benefits which include:
• Developed in a carbon-neutral and sustainable way – The process of manufacturing the vaccine was done in a carbon-neutral and sustainable way. This means that the development process for the vaccine did not contribute to increased carbon emissions in the atmosphere, making the process much more ethical and sustainable.
• Available worldwide – The Pfizer variant of the vaccine is available worldwide and therefore can be accessed with relative ease. This is especially important for poorer parts of the world where access to healthcare can be limited.
• Made from safe and quality ingredients – The Pfizer variant is made from safe and quality ingredients, making it safe for use and less likely to cause any severe side effects.
Side Effects of the Pfizer Vaccine
Though the Pfizer variant is a relatively safe vaccine, there have been some known side effects reported. These include:
• Injection site reactions – This is the most common side effect and it is caused when the vaccine is injected too forcefully or if the injection site is not cleaned properly prior to the injection.
• Fatigue – This side effect can affect some people and is caused by the vaccine’s action on the body’s immune system. Symptoms can last for a few days and can be managed with rest and light exercise.
• Headaches – This is another side effect reported by some people and can be caused by the body’s immune response to the vaccine. This side effect can usually be managed with light exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of rest.
The emergence of Covid-19 has created a greater need for better vaccines, spurring Pfizer and BioNTech to develop the BNT162b2 Pfizer variant of the vaccine. This vaccine has proved to be effective and efficient, with tests showing a 90% efficacy rate against the virus. Furthermore, it is easy to store, rapidly produced, and is available worldwide. While there are some known side effects associated with the vaccine, these can usually be managed with rest, light exercise, and a healthy diet.
In conclusion, the Pfizer variant is arguably the most reliable vaccine out there and is worth the hype due to its high efficacy rate, as well as its wide availability.