As of May 2023, 68 million Americans in the U.S. — 1 out of 5 people —- were unvaccinated against Covid-19, had not completed their primary series or had not gotten a booster dose. It’s vital to understand the different types of Covid-19 vaccines to make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
Now that multiple types of Covid-19 vaccines are available, experts hope more people will feel comfortable getting vaccinated. It’s important that individuals have the freedom to choose which vaccine is right for them.
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease, Covid-19. Did you know? Corona means crown, and coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface.
How do Covid-19 vaccines work?
Coronaviruses have a crown-like spike on their surface, called spike proteins. All authorized and/or approved Covid-19 vaccines trigger the immune system to make antibodies against the spike protein to help fight the virus.
There are two types of Covid-19 vaccines, each working differently from one another. Depending on the type of vaccine, it either introduces the spike protein to the body or gives the body instructions for how to make the spike protein.
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Protein subunit vaccines contain spike proteins — pieces of the virus that causes Covid-19 — but since it’s not the whole virus, they’re harmless. When you’re vaccinated, nearby cells pick up the spike proteins. |
mRNA vaccines teach cells how to make copies of the spike protein. After the protein copy is made, our cells break down the mRNA and get rid of it. |
Both types of vaccines ultimately lead to the immune system creating antibodies to fight off the spike proteins, preparing the body to respond quickly to the actual virus and protect against Covid-19.
Both types of vaccines have been studied for decades and do not affect or interact with DNA and cannot cause Covid-19. They are safe, including in children.
Why get vaccinated?
- Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective at helping to protect people from getting seriously ill or being hospitalized.
- Covid-19 vaccines can offer added protection to people who have already had Covid, including preventing infection from new variants.
There is a Covid-19 vaccine that can meet your needs. Knowing your options can help you choose the Covid-19 vaccine that’s best for you and your family.
This resource was created with support from Novavax.
