The supply of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine for the first phase is due to arrive in Malaysia on February 26. Below are the most frequently asked questions about the Comirnaty vaccine produced by Pfizer answered by the Institute for Medical Research:
Q: How does the Comirnaty vaccine react in the body?
A: The Comirnaty vaccine uses the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology. The mRNA vaccine consists of a genetic sequence that can protect mRNA from enzymatic reactions in the body and can ensure that mRNA can enter certain immune cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages in the lymph nodes near the injection area. The mRNA vaccine will produce a unique protein called spike protein, which can boost the body’s immunity without causing any disease. The mRNA vaccine will be destroyed by the enzyme after the production of the spike protein. The mRNA sequence does not enter the nucleus and does not involve any genetic DNA material in the cell. The spike protein produced by the mRNA vaccine will stimulate the formation of specific antibodies against Covid-19 and may react if there is an infection by Covid-19 in the future.
Q: Can the Comirnaty vaccine change a person’s DNA or genetics?
A: No. The Comirnaty vaccine cannot alter a person’s DNA or genetics because mRNA does not enter the cell nucleus and there will be no reaction with DNA.
Q: Can the Comirnaty vaccine cause Covid-19?
A: No. The Comirnaty vaccine does not use the live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, it cannot cause Covid-19.
Q: Who can receive the Comirnaty vaccine?
A: Anyone aged 18 or over can get the vaccine.
Q: How many doses of the Comirnaty vaccine are needed?
A: Every individual needs to receive two doses of the vaccine with an interval of 21 days between the first and the second dose.
Q: Who is not suitable for receiving the Comirnaty vaccine?
A: The vaccine is not suitable for administration to:
> Individuals with a history of severe allergies to certain foods, medications or environments that require hospital treatment.
> Individuals who have a severe allergy after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
> Individuals who underwent organ transplants, such as kidney transplants or blood cell stems, three months before vaccination.
> Individuals undergoing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
> Individuals with HIV whose CD4 leukocyte count is less than 200 cells / mL.
> Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
> People with a fever due to virus or bacterial infections.
> Those who received monoclonal antibodies or blood plasma as treatment for Covid-19 three months before vaccination.
> Those with low blood platelets.