How effective are the approved mRNA vaccines?
In the studies for approval, the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer/BionTech and Moderna demonstrated an effectiveness against infection with Covid-19 of over 90 percent.
However, against the Omicron variant of Covid-19, which currently dominates in Switzerland, the protective effect against infection appears to be reduced. In contrast, the mRNA vaccines still offer a high level of protection against a severe course of disease, including against Omicron.
Protection from vaccination declines over time. Especially in older persons. A booster vaccination helps to increase the effectiveness again. The booster vaccination protects against severe infection for at least 6-9 months.
Since August 2022, a booster vaccine from Moderna adapted to Omicron has been authorized in Switzerland (Spikevax® Bivalent Original/Omicron (mRNA-1273.214)). In studies, this vaccine resulted in a stronger immune response against the Omicron variant (subvariants BA.1 and BA.4/5) than the original vaccine. It is not yet known whether the adapted vaccine also provides better protection against infection and a severe course of disease caused by Omicron, and how long the protection lasts.
- What is an mRNA and what is its function?
- How do mRNA vaccines work?
- Which mRNA vaccines are approved or under development in Switzerland?
- Does the mRNA vaccine affect our genetic material?
- What do the approved mRNA vaccines contain?
- What side effects are known and expected for the approved mRNA vaccines?
- How effective are the approved mRNA vaccines?
- How and why are mRNAs modified for the vaccines?
- Is the technology behind the mRNA vaccines new?
- Why were mRNA vaccines earlier available than conventional vaccines?