The best COVID-19 vaccine for people

Individuals frequently enquire which vaccination is the best because there are so many alternatives. Despite this, each vaccine is unique and protects against severe disease. The Government of Pakistan and other regions are currently offering various COVID-19 vaccinations, including Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna.

Anti-COVID-19 vaccines available 

People wonder which vaccine is best as there are numerous vaccines available. Still, each vaccine is distinctive and protective against severe disease. Currently, the Government of Pakistan and various states are offering Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against COVID-19.

mRNA vaccines

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are those vaccines that trigger an immune response by producing antigens such as spike protein in the human body. According to many medical pieces of research, the benefits of mRNA vaccines are that there will be no vaccine triggering diseases. However, it has some downsides too, which incorporate unintended immune reactions, quick breakdown of free RNA and never been licensed for human use before. Moreover, mRNA vaccines are new and are being tried the first time, so we do not know what side effects will be demonstrated after 10-15 years. Pfizer and Moderna are the only mRNA vaccine available in Pakistan.

Inactivated vaccines

These are the vaccines that function by inserting inactivated pathogens into the human body. However, manufacturing inactivated vaccines require special laboratories to grow the pathogens safely, and it also takes a longer production time. In addition, it will possibly require two to three doses to be administered. The available inactivated vaccines available in Pakistan are Sinopharm and Sinovac.

Non-replicating viral vector

These vaccines launch the safe version of the virus called a vector, which delivers a genetic code for antigen. These vaccines involve both B cells and T cells. Therefore it can initiate a robust immune response. The only drawback of these vaccines is that their effectiveness will be reduced if human cells are previously exposed to that vector. Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V come under the category of non-replicating viral vector vaccines.

Why inactivated vaccines are better?

The inactivated vaccines are considered to be the safest vaccines among others. Nonetheless, the benefits of inactivated vaccines are comparatively more favourable than mRNA vaccines or other types of anti-COVID-19 vaccines. The inactivated pathogens cannot replicate or infect vital cells. Additionally, suitable for immune-compromised patients. Nonetheless, these types of vaccines are already on the market for several decades, and no long-term side effect is ever shown. 

Conclusion

People often enquire which vaccine is the best because there are so many options. Despite this, each vaccine is unique and protects against severe disease. We don't know what adverse effects will be seen after 10-15 years because mRNA vaccines are new and tested for the first time. Among other vaccines, inactivated vaccines are thought to be the safest. Sinopharm and Sinovac are the only inactivated vaccinations available in Pakistan, and they can be considered safest.