COVID-19 Vaccine Types and How They Work to Protect You

The development of COVID-19 vaccines represents one of the most significant medical achievements in modern history. Understanding how these vaccines work can help you make informed decisions about your health and appreciate the science behind this protective measure. Each type of COVID-19 vaccine uses different technology, but they all share the same goal: training your immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from coronavirus infection. They work by teaching your immune system to create antibodies without exposing you to the actual disease. Let us explore the different types of vaccines available and how each one provides protection.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Your Body

All COVID-19 vaccines target a specific part of the coronavirus called the spike protein, or S protein. This protein sits on the surface of the virus and acts like a key that allows the virus to enter your cells. By teaching your immune system to recognize this spike protein, vaccines prepare your body to fight off the real virus if you encounter it.

When you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, your immune system responds by producing antibodies and activating defensive white blood cells. These antibodies remain in your body and stand ready to protect you if you are exposed to the actual coronavirus. This process is called an immune response, and it happens without making you sick from COVID-19.

mRNA Vaccines: A Revolutionary Approach

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a groundbreaking technology in vaccine development. These vaccines contain genetic instructions that teach your cells how to make the spike protein found on the coronavirus surface.

When an mRNA vaccine is injected into your arm muscle, the mRNA molecules enter your muscle cells. These cells read the instructions and begin producing the spike protein. Some of these proteins appear on the cell surface, while others may be detected by immune cells circulating in your body.

Once your immune system identifies these spike proteins as foreign, it launches a defensive response. Your body creates antibodies specifically designed to attack the spike protein and activates immune cells that can destroy infected cells. The mRNA from the vaccine breaks down naturally within a few days, but the immunity it creates can last much longer.

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines use mRNA technology. These vaccines do not contain any live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. They also do not interact with your DNA or alter your genetic material in any way.

Viral Vector Vaccines: Using a Harmless Carrier

Viral vector vaccines use a different approach to deliver instructions to your cells. These vaccines take genetic material from the coronavirus and insert it into a modified version of an unrelated, harmless virus. This harmless virus acts as a delivery vehicle, or vector, carrying the coronavirus genetic information into your cells.

Once the viral vector enters your cells, it delivers the genetic instructions for making the spike protein. Your cells then produce the spike protein and display it on their surfaces. This triggers your immune system to respond by creating antibodies and activating defensive white blood cells.

It is important to understand that viral vector vaccines cannot cause COVID-19 infection or infection from the vector virus itself. The vector virus has been modified so it cannot reproduce or cause illness. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine used this technology, though it is no longer available in the United States.

Protein Subunit Vaccines: Direct Protein Delivery

Protein subunit vaccines take a more traditional approach that has been used successfully for decades with other diseases. Instead of giving your cells instructions to make the spike protein, these vaccines contain actual spike proteins that have been manufactured in a laboratory.

When you receive a protein subunit vaccine, the harmless spike proteins are injected directly into your body. Your immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign invaders and responds by producing antibodies and activating immune cells. If you later encounter the actual coronavirus, your immune system will recognize the spike protein and mount a rapid defense.

The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. These vaccines often include ingredients called adjuvants, which help boost your immune response and make the vaccine more effective. Like other COVID-19 vaccines, protein subunit vaccines cannot cause COVID-19 infection because they do not contain any complete virus.

Current COVID-19 Vaccines Available in the United States

The COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are regularly updated to provide protection against current virus strains. The vaccines have been thoroughly tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Several formulations are currently available:

Moderna Vaccines: The Moderna company produces mRNA vaccines under the brand names Spikevax and Mnexspike. These vaccines are approved for different age groups, with specific formulations available for children as young as 6 months old and adults of all ages.

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, known as Comirnaty, is an mRNA vaccine approved for individuals starting at age 5 years, including those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and all adults aged 65 and older.

Novavax Vaccine: The Novavax protein subunit vaccine, called Nuvaxovid, provides an alternative option for those who prefer a more traditional vaccine technology. It is approved for individuals aged 12 and older with certain risk factors, as well as all adults aged 65 and above.

Each vaccine has been formulated to target the most prevalent coronavirus strains, helping ensure optimal protection for recipients.

Who Should Get a COVID-19 Vaccine

Health authorities recommend COVID-19 vaccination for most people to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. Staying current with recommended vaccines is especially important for certain groups at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19.

Priority groups include:

• Adults aged 65 and older, who face increased risk of severe complications
• Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments
• People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or obesity
• Healthcare workers and others with high exposure risk

Even if you do not fall into a high-risk category, vaccination still offers significant benefits. COVID-19 vaccines reduce your chances of getting infected and help prevent transmission to others in your community, including those who may be more vulnerable.

Understanding Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone extensive clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants before receiving authorization. Ongoing monitoring continues to track their safety and effectiveness in real-world use.

While no vaccine is 100% effective, COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Even if you experience a breakthrough infection after vaccination, your symptoms are likely to be milder and shorter-lasting compared to unvaccinated individuals.

Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or low-grade fever. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days and indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine as intended.

Serious side effects are extremely rare. Health authorities continuously monitor vaccine safety, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people.

Making an Informed Decision About COVID-19 Vaccination

Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Each type of vaccine uses a different mechanism, but all have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness.

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand which vaccine might be best for your individual situation, especially if you have specific health conditions or concerns.

Getting vaccinated protects not only yourself but also your family, friends, and community members who may be more vulnerable to severe illness. As virus strains continue to evolve, staying informed about current vaccine recommendations helps ensure you maintain optimal protection.

Remember that COVID-19 vaccines are just one part of a comprehensive approach to health. Continuing good hygiene practices, staying home when sick, and following public health guidance all contribute to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community.