COVID-19 VACCINES AT A GLANCE
There are different vaccines available to prevent COVID-19. Each has been found to be safe and effective. Based on clinical trials data, here are differences between them. The goal of any vaccine is to keep you from getting very sick and needing to go to the hospital or dying. All three COVID-19 vaccines – Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson – have been tested and have proven they achieve this goal.
Moderna
- Requires 2 shots
- Second shot is given 4 weeks after the first
- Third shot recommended for individuals with a weakened immune system
- Authorized for age 18 or older
- In large clinical trial
- 94% effective in preventing people becoming sick with COVID-19
- Nearly 100% in preventing severe COVID-19, hospitalizations, and death
- Severe allergic reactions are very rare
Pfizer
- Requires 2 shots
- Second shot is given 3 weeks after the first
- Third shot recommended for individuals with a weakened immune system
- Authorized for age 5 and older
- In large clinical trial
- 95% effective in preventing people becoming sick with COVID-19
- 89% in preventing severe COVID-19
- Nearly 100% effective in preventing, hospitalizations and death
- Severe allergic reactions are very rare
Johnson & Johnson
- Requires 1 shot
- Authorized for age 18 or older
- In large clinical trial
- 66% effective in preventing people becoming sick with COVID-19
- 84% in preventing severe COVID-19
- 100% effective in preventing, hospitalizations and death
- Lower risk of severe side effects that interfere with daily activities