[N3] NCM205 PHARMACOLOGY – LAB

Professor: Ms. Jessica S. Simporios

Prepared by: Alezandra Marie D. Labus

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer-BioNtech is a type of mRNA vaccine. This type of vaccine aims to protect people
against infectious diseases. These mRNA vaccines train our cells on how to make protein and
these proteins trigger an immune response in our bodies that adds up a tougher shield of
protection against diseases. Pfizer and BioNTech have developed a new vaccine for the flu. The
drug works by using messenger RNA, which is genetic material that our cells read in order to
produce proteins. If injected straight into the body, the molecule is fragile and would be shredded
by our natural enzymes. Pfizer and BioNTech also made sure the safety of their vaccine by
wrapping the mRNA in oily bubbles formed of lipid nanoparticles. Pfizer is building special
containers with dry ice, thermal sensors and GPS trackers to ensure the vaccines can be
transported at –94°F (–70°C) to stay viable. Because of their fragility, the mRNA molecules will
quickly fall apart at room temperature. Following injection, the vaccine particles collide with
cells and merge, releasing mRNA. Spike proteins are created when the cell's components read
the code. The vaccine's mRNA is eventually destroyed by the cell, leaving no trace behind. The
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine takes two injections, 21 days apart, to train the immune system to fight
the coronavirus. Experts are uncertain how long the vaccination will give protection because it is
so young. The vaccine comes in a vial with 5 doses of 0.3 milliliters for each vial. Before
injecting the vaccine, it must be frozen and diluted with saline. The vial must be used within six
hours of dilution. The possible side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are headache, tiredness,
fever, muscle pain, nausea and chills. For the effects felt on the arm that was injected with the
vaccine, one might experience pain, redness and swelling. The side effects of the vaccine would
vary depending on a person’s immunity.

SOURCES:

Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. (2021, August 19). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. (2021, March 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

Corum, J., & Zimmer, C. (2021, August 4). How the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine Works. The New York
Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine.html

Cross, B. R., & 6, V. I. A. S. T. O. V. M. |. A. (2021, March 31). Powerful packaging. Chemical & Engineering
News. https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/drug-delivery/Without-lipid-shells-mRNA-vaccines/99/i8

Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine |1