FAQ: Launch of BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna coronavirus vaccines

How do vaccine logistics work? What's the difference between the vaccines? How quickly can people get vaccinated, and what are the side effects? DW has some answers to your questions about the new COVID-19 vaccines.

So far, only BioNTech-Pfizer's vaccine has been approved in the European Union and in the United States. Another vaccine, one from American drugmaker Moderna, has also been approved in the US, but the EU expects to give it the green light in early January.

Other pharmaceutical companies are also getting closer to approval. Here's a FAQ on the start of the current vaccination campaigns.

What distinguishes the two most important vaccines?

Both are so-called mRNA vaccines. They replicate individual proteins in human cells that are typical for the virus, and the body reacts to this by building up an immune defense. The most important difference between the two vaccines: Moderna's vaccine can be stored for up to 30 days in a normal household refrigerator.

It does not need to be refrigerated to -70 degrees Celsius (-94 Fahrenheit) during transport, like the vaccine from BioNTech-Pfizer. However, the latter can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, just before using it.

Why must they be administered in vaccination centers or by mobile teams in care homes?

This is the only way to ensure that, for example, the frozen BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine is prepared professionally and then vaccinated promptly. The specialists warm up five vaccine doses at a time.

The complicated logistics are also why general physicians are not supposed to administer this vaccine to seniors living alone during home visits — at least in the beginning of the campaign.

The vaccination center system will also help reach those people who are most in need of vaccination first.

When should I get a second vaccination?

The two vaccinations should be given three weeks apart — between 17 and 21 days, with the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine. It's still feasible to give the second vaccination after this period, but it should be given as early as possible.

Can a different vaccine be used for the second vaccination?

No — the first and second vaccination must be those vaccines that have been recommended by the respective manufacturers and licensing authorities. At the moment, regulators don't have enough experience or test results with the various vaccines, so people shouldn't take the risk.

Should I get vaccinated even if I have already been infected with COVID-19?

Anyone who has survived an infection with the virus can still get vaccinated and should do so. This is because it's not certain that surviving an infection provides adequate protection against reinfection, of which there have been recorded cases.

However, physicians should not vaccinate anyone who is going through a COVID-19 illness, a flu or a common cold. In that case, the vaccination should not be given until the patient has recovered.

The same applies to people who are in quarantine, because they have had contact with someone infected with the coronavirus. They should not be vaccinated until the quarantine period is over. If they have already been infected, the vaccination would come too late anyway.

How long will it take to vaccinate everyone who wants it?

It will take years for everyone in the world to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Even in the highly developed industrialized countries, it will take at least until 2022 for everyone to get their turn.

Take Germany as an example:

health authorities expect that 13 million BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine doses could be administered in the first quarter of 2021. At two vaccinations per person, that's not even enough for one-tenth of the population.

BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin told DW that his company and Pfizer hope to be able to produce 1.3 billion doses next year.

Even if more vaccines come to market, it won't be enough for the entire world population of 7.8 billion. But it might be possible to protect those most at risk — seniors and patients with preexisting conditions — by next summer.

Who shouldn't get vaccinated?

In principle, a doctor must first clarify whether certain preexisting conditions exist that preclude vaccination. This may be the case in particular with allergy sufferers who are allergic to certain ingredients, or have already suffered an anaphylactic shock.

But most allergy sufferers — for example, people who suffer from hay fever, animal or food allergies — will be able to get vaccinated. Other severe preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, obesity or even a weakened immune system, would be a reason in favor of vaccination because these preconditions increase the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

Can children be vaccinated?

The BioNTech- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have only been approved for people over the age of 16.

Any special concerns for pregnant women?

Experts believe it's unlikely that the mRNA vaccines pose a risk to pregnant women and unborn children, yet animal studies on reproductive toxicity are still ongoing. For the moment, it remains a choice that should be discussed with a physician: on the one hand, pregnancy is considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19 courses, which can also cause severe harm to the child. On the other hand, expectant mothers should also assess the individual risk of infection — how much do they socialize, and how likely are they to be infected by COVID-19?

What side effects should I expect?

After vaccination, most vaccinated individuals experience mild to moderate side effects. These may include temporary swelling at the injection site, headache and aching limbs, chills, fatigue and also fever. The side effects usually occur in the first three days after vaccination and subside after about two days.

In cases of more severe complications the vaccinated person must contact the center or doctor who administered the vaccine, who will then report the case to regulatory authorities.

Do the vaccines also work against mutated virus va

riants?

It's likely that both vaccines are also effective against the recently emerged mutant virus variant. BioNTech's Sahin said his company has already tested its vaccine on 20 virus mutations in a laboratory setting, including the latest variant that has appeared in southern England.

How long should I wait before getting vaccinated against another diseases?

Other vaccinations, such as against influenza or mumps, measles and rubella, or against tetanus should be given 14 days apart before or after a coronavirus vaccination. This interval is currently considered a purely precautionary measure.

Although physicians assume that simultaneous vaccinations are unproblematic, no data are yet available showing that simultaneous vaccination with other vaccines is harmless. So it's better to be safe than sorry.

Is the vaccination also halal?

That, of course, will ultimately have to be answered by religious scholars. But the chances are good: spokespeople for the three major manufacturers, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca , have confirmed to the Times of India that their vaccines do not contain any pig products.

Do I still need to wash my hands and wear a face mask after vaccination?

While both vaccines provide up to 95% protection against coronavirus after two doses, even vaccinated people should continue to follow general hygiene rules, maintain physical distancing and continue to wear face masks.

There are still no studies on how long the vaccination protection lasts, and whether the vaccine can effectively contain the spread of the virus in the general population.