“Vaccine Differences?”
Why is the Moderna vaccine 100 micrograms and Pfizer only 30? If you get 2 Moderna shots that's 200 micrograms.....2 Pfizer is 60....why is that? Does it mean Moderna is stronger than Pfizer?
4 Answers
I am aware of this difference and read with interest all of the original studies. It was amazing that both Pfizer and Moderna reported 95% initial efficacy and safety. I believe the Moderna used a higher dose as it was to be packaged in more of a lipid/fat carrier molecule. I do believe it's most important to get whichever vaccine is available and mixing of the mRNA vaccines is now being readily done.
The answer is no. Apples and oranges should not be compared. It's important to consider all what's in the vaccines. Both vaccines are highly effective and safe.
The vaccines were individually designed and created by separate independent teams of scientists. The differences are just due to random chance, but both vaccines appear to be equally safe and effective. There are reports of slightly higher rates of post-vaccine aches and pains after the Moderna vaccine's second dose. However, there have not been direct face-face comparison trials, so this observation has not been scientifically proven. There are suggestions that the Moderna vaccine may be “stronger,” but again, no real evidence to that assertion.
They're both excellent vaccines.
Carl Lauter, MD
They're both excellent vaccines.
Carl Lauter, MD
No.
