The FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) approved The Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine for people 16 years aged and older. The vaccine got approval on August 23, 2021. The brand name of the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine is COMIRNATY. However, the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine has three trials and the effective rate is up to 95%. According to BioNTech, the vaccine is equally effective for people regardless of their sex, age and ethnicity. According to a priority system devised by the UK’s joint committee, care home residents and their carers have the highest priority. The next priority goes to people aged over 80 and all the frontline healthcare workers. Later comes the people who are aged over 75 and then people of young age or with any kind of underlying health condition.
After getting the dose of the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine, one may face several side effects. For instance, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, fever, etc. These side effects can show up within one or two days after getting the vaccine. Also, after the vaccine, one may experience redness and some swelling at the injection area. This can stay up to seven days. However, there is nothing to worry about. These are the results and signs that your body is building up protection. Nonetheless, if the effects last more than seven days you can talk to the healthcare professionals for help.
Who should go for the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine?
However, according to SAGE the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine is effective and safe. Additionally, the vaccine has been tested in people with stable medical conditions. Hence, those who have stable and controlled issues like liver or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, and well-managed HIV can also take the vaccine. Similarly, people who have had covid-19 in the past can also go for this vaccine.
Who should not get Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine?
Pregnant women are not eligible for the vaccination process yet. There is more information and more research and information yet to come on this. Therefore pregnant women do not have permission for the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine yet. Furthermore, children below the age group of 16 have also not been eligible for testing of Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine. Similarly, if you have had a severe or immediate allergic reaction after having the first dose of the vaccine, you should avoid getting another dose. The vaccine contains some ingredients and if someone is allergic to any of those, they should not take the vaccine. Most importantly, if you are unsure about it, do take the help of health professionals before going for the Pfizer BioNTech covid 19 vaccine.
Eligibility for the Pfizer BioNTech booster shot
Covid 19 booster shots are available for those Pfizer BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series a minimum of six months ago. Data shows that the Pfizer BioNTech booster shot has proved to increase the immune response of these people who have completed their primary series six months ago. However, with the increased immune system, people build the protection system against Covid-19 along with the Delta variant.
- People aged 65 and older with any sort of underlying medical conditions should choose a booster of Pfizer BioNTech.
- 18 years and older in long-term care settings are also eligible for the booster shot.
- Adults aged 18-49 with underlying medical conditions are at high risk of getting affected by covid-19 and other illnesses. Therefore, these people should also go for the booster shot of Pfizer BioNTech.
Canada and the authorization of Pfizer for children
Meanwhile, Canada became the first country to authorize the use of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for children. They have authorized for the children between the ages of 12 and 15. The main aim is to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable children from any risk. However, Pfizer also mentions that the initial results from the trials of its vaccine in this age group have had 100% results of efficacy and strong immune response. Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration also has been reviewing whether they can authorize the vaccine for younger people. Also read: Here’s Where You Are Most At Risk When Unvaccinated.
