Do you know how long it takes for COVID-19 vaccines to take effect? This depends on each option, indicates the Spanish Ministry of Health.
The Spanish authority reviewed the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen vaccines and found that the highest protection they offer varies depending on the vaccine.
In the case of the Pfizer-BioNTech option, the highest protection is achieved seven days after the second dose. This can be given to a person after at least 21 days, the ministry indicates.
The Moderna option creates immunity 14 days after the second dose, which can be received after 28 days.
The AstraZeneca jab offers the highest protection 28 days after the second dose is administered, which can be received between 10 and 12 weeks after the first.
Meanwhile, Janssen provides protection from day 14 after its administration. This is a single-dose vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine is an mRNA type and needs to be stored at very low temperatures. According to a study from February 24, it is 92 percent effective in preventing severe illness after two injections, and 62 percent after a single one.
Moderna is also an mRNA type and requires refrigeration at -20°C. In January, the pharmaceutical company reported that its vaccine also provides protection against the virus variants identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa. On March 16, it was reported that trials are already underway in children under 12.
On the other hand, AstraZeneca has a viral vector vaccine that transmits genetic information within a harmless virus (not the coronavirus) that the body needs to produce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, according to the ministry. A study published on March 22 showed that this option is 79 percent effective in preventing the disease. An independent board found no safety concerns.
And Janssen has a vaccine similar to Astra's, a viral vector. It needs to be stored at low temperatures (-25°C). On March 11, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) indicated that it has an efficacy of 67 percent.
