Sarah Bennett
With the development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, it is natural to wonder if one is better than the other. According to the CDC, there is no preference for one vaccine over the others, and the FDA has stated that all the vaccines are safe and effective. A 2023 study found that both types of COVID vaccines (mRNA and Novavax) were more than 90% effective against SARS-CoV-2 in people over 18 years old. While the Novavax vaccine may cause fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines, there is insufficient research to generalize this finding to the broader population. Ultimately, the brand and type of vaccine an individual receives depend on their age, health conditions, and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CDC Recommendations | The CDC recommends five COVID-19 vaccines: four mRNA (two from Moderna and two from Pfizer-BioNTech), and one protein subunit vaccine from Novavax. |
| Effectiveness | Clinical trials found that both Pfizer and Moderna were safe and had similar effectiveness: 95% for Pfizer and 94.1% for Moderna. |
| Side Effects | Novavax may cause fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines. |
| Mixing Vaccines | Research suggests that mixing mRNA and protein subunit vaccines might result in a better immune response and, therefore, better protection. |
| Age | The CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and up get one updated (bivalent) booster. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are generally safe for children. |
| Health Conditions | People with existing health conditions, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are taking medications should talk to their healthcare team before getting vaccinated. |
| Allergies | People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine's ingredients or a prior dose of a vaccine should not get that vaccine again. |
| FDA Approval | The Pfizer vaccine received full FDA approval on Aug. 23, 2021, and is now marketed under the name Comirnaty. The Novavax vaccine received full FDA approval in May 2025. |
| Availability | The availability of different vaccines varies by country and region. |
| Efficacy | Vaccine efficacy is influenced by various factors, including study population characteristics, circulating virus strains, force of infection, timing of assessment, and potential for performance bias. |
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Novavax vs. mRNA vaccines
Novavax and mRNA vaccines are both designed to protect against COVID-19. However, they differ in their mechanisms and side effects.
Novavax, also known as Nuvaxovid, is the only non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available in the US as of May 2025. Unlike mRNA vaccines, Novavax is a protein adjuvant vaccine, which means it contains the spike protein of the coronavirus itself, formulated as a nanoparticle that cannot cause disease. When injected, this stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and T-cell immune responses. Novavax has been shown to be 90% effective in clinical trials, performing almost as well as mRNA vaccines. One of its advantages is that it is easier to manufacture and distribute since it can be stored in a refrigerator. Additionally, a 2023 study suggested that Novavax may cause fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines, with lower rates of headache and fatigue reported in clinical trials.
On the other hand, mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer and Moderna, utilize a newer technology that sends instructions to host cells in the body to produce a spike protein. This triggers the immune system to recognize and react to the spike protein, preparing the body to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. mRNA vaccines have also demonstrated high efficacy, with initial Phase 3 clinical data showing around 95% efficacy in preventing COVID-19. However, the protection from the initial mRNA vaccines has been shown to wane over time, requiring booster doses to restore robust immune responses.
While both types of vaccines have their advantages, it's important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one COVID-19 vaccine over another when multiple options are available. The choice between Novavax and mRNA vaccines may depend on individual factors such as age, health conditions, and personal preferences.
It's worth mentioning that mixing mRNA and protein subunit vaccines, such as Novavax, has been studied, and early results suggest that this approach could lead to a better immune response and improved protection.
Ultimately, the most important consideration is to get vaccinated, as all the COVID-19 vaccines currently available are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death due to COVID-19.
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Pfizer vs. Moderna
Pfizer and Moderna were the first COVID-19 vaccines to be administered in the U.S. Both are mRNA vaccines that use the same technology and have similar efficacy rates. The original COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, introduced in December 2020, protected against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. They have since been updated multiple times to target different variants of the virus.
Pfizer's Phase 3 clinical data for its original vaccine showed 95% efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID. Moderna's Phase 3 clinical data showed similar results, with about 95% efficacy. However, later data on the effectiveness of the two-dose primary series showed that protection waned over time for both vaccines. Booster doses were necessary to restore robust immune responses.
Moderna's vaccine has been found to elicit a stronger immune response over time compared to Pfizer's. Research has shown that people vaccinated with Moderna have a stronger immune memory of the virus even six months after being fully vaccinated. This suggests that Moderna's vaccine may be more effective in preventing breakthrough infections and providing longer-lasting protection.
Both vaccines have similar side effects, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea. Rare but serious side effects include myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart), which have been reported more frequently with the Moderna vaccine.
In summary, while both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19, Moderna's vaccine may offer slightly better protection over time due to its ability to elicit a stronger immune response. However, it is important to note that the choice between the two vaccines depends on individual factors such as age, health conditions, and personal preferences.
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Vaccine efficacy
All the COVID-19 vaccines currently available are considered safe and effective at protecting individuals from serious illness and death due to COVID-19. According to the CDC, there is no preference for one vaccine over the others, and they are all deemed safe and effective. A 2023 study found that both types of COVID vaccines (mRNA and Novavax) were more than 90% effective against SARS-CoV-2 in people over 18 years old.
The Novavax vaccine (brand name: Nuvaxovid) is the only non-mRNA updated COVID vaccine available in the US. It is a protein adjuvant that had a 90% efficacy rate in its clinical trial, performing almost as well as the mRNA vaccines in their early trials. It is also simpler to make and easier to distribute than some other vaccines. A 2023 study suggests that Novavax may also cause fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 2024-2025 formula is authorized for people aged 6 months through 11 years. Comirnaty is approved for people aged 12 and older. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 2024-2025 formula is also authorized for children as young as 6 months and approved for people aged 12 and older. Moderna's vaccine must be shipped at -4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is within the range of a regular refrigerator freezer. It is stable at fridge temperature for 30 days and at room temperature for 12 hours.
While the vaccines are preventing many infections, vaccinated people who contract the Delta variant can still transmit the virus to others. However, the vaccines have maintained their protectiveness against severe disease and death. The primary series of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines is two shots: a priming dose, followed by a booster shot. The interval between Moderna doses is 28 days, while for the Pfizer vaccine, it is 21 days. Moderna uses a much larger dose of vaccine than Pfizer, with some data suggesting that the protection generated by the Moderna vaccine declines at a slower rate than Pfizer's.
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Side effects
The Novavax vaccine, for instance, has been found to be just as effective as mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna but with fewer side effects. A 2023 study supports this, suggesting that Novavax causes fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines. This is because mRNA boosters may result in more unpleasant short-term side effects, such as fevers, headaches, and exhaustion. In contrast, Novavax recipients report feeling normal the next day, with only mild soreness at the injection site.
However, it is important to note that side effects from mRNA vaccines are typically mild and short-lived. A 2023 study comparing Pfizer and Moderna in older adults found that Moderna was associated with slightly fewer side effects in this age group. Overall, the effectiveness of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is comparable, with similar clinical trial results and real-world performance.
In rare cases, vaccines can cause serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is treatable with epinephrine. The FDA has also issued warnings about the potential for heart inflammation (myocarditis and pericarditis) in adolescents and young adults, particularly after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. Nevertheless, these cases are rare and usually resolve without treatment.
Other common side effects from vaccines include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, lasting a few days at most.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which vaccine is most suitable for your individual needs and health situation.
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Boosters
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalisation, and death. The 2024-2025 vaccines are updated to provide the best protection against the currently circulating strains, including the Omicron variant. These updated vaccines are sometimes referred to as boosters, but the CDC and FDA do not classify them as such. Instead, they are considered updated vaccines that build a new immune response to new variants.
The 2024-2025 vaccine is a one-shot vaccine for most people, with no booster needed. However, individuals who are immunocompromised or between the ages of 6 months and 4 years may require more than one dose. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and older receive one shot of the updated vaccine. For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, multiple shots may be necessary. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate number of doses.
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 variant. All three vaccines are closely related to the currently circulating variants. The Novavax vaccine, or Nuvaxovid, is the only non-mRNA updated COVID vaccine available in the US. It has a 90% efficacy rate and is easier to store and distribute than some other vaccines.
The CDC allows individuals to "mix and match" their booster shots. This means that if an individual received the Pfizer vaccine for their initial doses, they can receive a Moderna booster dose, and vice versa. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients are eligible for a Pfizer or Moderna booster. Individuals can also choose to receive a booster from the same manufacturer as their initial vaccine series if they prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
The CDC does not recommend any one COVID-19 vaccine over another. The brand and type of vaccine you prefer will depend on your age, health conditions, and preferences. All of the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting you from serious illness and death due to COVID-19.
The Novavax vaccine is the only non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine approved in the U.S. It is simpler to make than some of the other vaccines and can be stored in a refrigerator, making it easier to distribute. A 2023 study suggests that Novavax may cause fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines. However, the primary series of both the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines is two shots: a priming dose, followed by a booster shot. The interval between Moderna doses is 28 days, while for the Pfizer vaccine, it is 21 days. Moderna also uses a much larger dose of vaccine than Pfizer.
Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes are some of the common side effects of the vaccines. There have also been rare instances of myocarditis or pericarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle and outer lining of the heart, respectively, in adolescents and young adults, especially after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. However, this complication is still more likely to occur after a COVID infection than with vaccination.
Yes, you can get a vaccine even if you have an existing health condition or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you have questions or concerns about getting the vaccine, it is recommended that you talk to your healthcare team.
