Vaccinations Against Covid 19
Pfizer is moving ahead in the UK, soon in the US, Canada, and the EU. Moderna is not far behind. And AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines are about a month behind them in the US, somewhat earlier in the rest of the world. Johnson and Johnson vaccines are still in their trial stage.
Pfizer’s vaccine will be assessed by the FDA tomorrow, and it is likely to be approved. https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/09/health/fda-meeting-pfizer-vaccine-emergency-use/index.html The US has contracted with Pfizer for 100 million doses (50 million people). It has about 95% efficacy, and there are no reported safety problems. The UK approved it last week, and their vaccinations began yesterday. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03441-8 Two people with severe allergies had strong allergic reactions so people with severe allergies are being advised not to get the shots. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/09/covid-pfizer-vaccine-allergic-reaction-uk/6505867002/ The Pfizer vaccine costs about 10 times as much as the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine. It requires two shots. It must be transported and stored in super cold conditions. The US government passed on the opportunity to contract for more than 100 million doses (sufficient for 50 million Americans). https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/trump-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine.html More vaccines from Pfizer for the US supposedly will not be available until June or July due to existing contracts with other nations that will take precedence.
Moderna has partnered with the NIH to develop its vaccine. It is about a week behind Pfizer for FDA approval, and it could cost somewhat more. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/30/health/covid-vaccine-moderna.html First shots could be available shortly before Christmas. It requires two shots and super cold storage, but not as cold as the Pfizer vaccine. It has reported 95% efficacy and no safety problems as well. Compared to the other two, Moderna is a very small company (800 employees), using the similar type of vaccine as Pfizer. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/30/health/covid-vaccine-moderna.html Moderna and its partners could experience some manufacturing challenges; they project a billion doses over the next year.
AstraZeneca is behind the schedule for the other two, and it will probably not be cleared by the FDA for use in the US until some time in January. The US has contracted with AstraZeneca/Oxford for 300 million doses – 60% of its expected early supply. Its advantages are: 1) much lower cost and 2) no requirements for super cold storage and transit. Its clinical trials have showed a range of efficacy between 60 and 90%; the more effective approach is a ½ dose followed by a full dose; the scientists and researchers are not sure why and are doing more tests. During the trials, two participants developed a rare neurological disorder so the trials were held up while the patients’ cases were evaluated to make sure that they were not caused by the vaccine. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/business/covid-vaccine-oxford-astrazeneca.html FDA has slowed the testing regimen in the US to make sure that there are no adverse side effects.
Johnson and Johnson is working on yet another different type of Covid 19 vaccine. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-08/u-s-counts-on-deals-with-j-j-astra-to-deliver-enough-vaccines They have no reported results on efficacy or safety and will not have any until January or February. Their vaccine is cheaper than Pfizer and Moderna; it only requires one shot and is much easier to store and ship.
Prepared by: Lucien Wulsin
Dated: 12/9/20