How the three big hopes for tackling coronavirus compare

THREE vaccines now lead the race, as scientists around the world try to find a solution to get life back to normal. But the three teams, two Us-led and one “home-grown” in the UK, have slight variations from cost to effectiveness, and storage temperature to side effects.

How much does it cost?

Oxford: The Oxford University and Astrazeneca vaccine is the cheapest coming in at just £2.23 per dose. Pfizer: The Pfizer BIONTECH vaccine will cost £29.47 for two jabs. Moderna: The Moderna candidate will cost between £23.99 and £27.74 per dose, but the company said the price may drop for larger distribution deals.

What type of vaccine is it?

Oxford: The Oxford vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that has already been used to make vaccines for other diseases such as MERS.

Pfizer: Vaccine is an MRNA type, which tricks the body into making antibodies. Moderna: Identical to Pfizer.

How effective is it?

Oxford: The Phase 3 trial results show the Oxford vaccine is 70.4 per cent effective at preventing people from getting Covid-19. But depending on the dosage, it can also produce results of up to 90 per cent effectiveness.

Pfizer: Its Phase 3 trials showed it was 90 per cent effective.

Moderna: The Moderna candidate returned results of 94.5 per cent efficacy.

How many doses are needed?

Oxford: The vaccine was trialled giving volunteers two doses. When half a dose and then a full dose was given, it generated 90 per cent effectiveness. Pfizer: It requires two jabs, three to four weeks apart.

Moderna: The vaccine also requires two doses.

At what temperature does it need to be stored?

Oxford: Its vaccine can be easily stored in a fridge at temperatures of around 35F to 46F (2C to 8C).

Pfizer: The Pfizer candidate must be stored at –109F (–78C) posing potential logistical issues.

Moderna: Similar to the Oxford vaccine.

How many doses has the UK ordered?

Oxford: The UK has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford candidate.

Pfizer: Forty million doses. Moderna: Five million doses.

Does it work in older people?

Oxford: It has been found to produce an immune response in the over-55s. Pfizer: The Pfizer candidate protected up to 94 per cent of adults aged over 65. Moderna: Its vaccine also produced an immune response in over-55s.

Are there any side effects?

Oxford: The Oxford vaccine was paused after a participant developed spinal cord inflammation, but scientists later said it was “unlikely” to have been caused by the jab.

Pfizer: Its vaccine produces aches and fevers as a side effect.

Moderna: Moderna has reported induced pain at the injection site, muscle aches and headaches.