Reference:
Mascellino, M. T., Di Timoteo, F., De Angelis, M., & Oliva, A. (2021). Overview of the main anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Mechanism of action, efficacy and safety. Infection and Drug Resistance, 14, 3459–3476. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S315727
Summary:
The article reviews the principal vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 during the Covid-19 pandemic, detailing their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and storage requirements. Four vaccines are highlighted: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Astra-Zeneca, and Janssen, each demonstrating varying efficacies. Pfizer and Moderna have efficacy rates of 95% and 94.5% for preventing disease, while Astra-Zeneca and Janssen’s efficacy rates are approximately 70% and 65% respectively, influenced by geographical factors. The review discusses vaccination strategies, including dose administration and the impact of virus variants on vaccine effectiveness. Monoclonal antibodies are also considered as alternative treatments. Overall, recommendations for accelerating vaccination to achieve herd immunity are made, alongside considerations of potential adverse effects and the evolving landscape of vaccine development.