Supply of the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech is expected to reach the first Malaysian stage on February 26. Below are the frequently asked questions on the Comirnaty vaccine made by Pfizer answered by the Institute for Medical Research:
Q: How does the Comirnaty vaccine react in the body?
A: The Comirnaty vaccine uses ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine technology. The mRNA vaccine is made up of a genetic sequence that can protect the mRNA from enzyme reactions in the body and ensure that the mRNA can enter specific immune cells such as the dendritic cells and macrophages in the lymph nodes near the injection site. The mRNA vaccine produces a specific protein called spike protein, which stimulates the body ‘s immunity without causing any illness. The mRNA vaccine is destroyed by the enzyme after the spike protein is produced. The mRNA sequence does not enter the nucleus and does not contain any DNA genetic material in the cell. The spike protein produced by the mRNA vaccine stimulates the production of specific antibodies against Covid-19 and may respond in the event of future Covid-19 infection.
Q: Can the Comirnaty vaccine alter a person’s DNA or genetics?
A: No. The Comirnaty vaccine cannot alter a person’s DNA or genetics because the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cells and there will be no response with the DNA.
Q: Can the Comirnaty vaccine cause Covid-19?
A: No. The Comirnaty vaccine does not use the live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, Covid-19 cannot cause.
Q: Who will receive the Comirnaty vaccine?
A: Anyone aged 18 and over can have the vaccine.
Q: How many doses of the Comirnaty vaccine are needed?
A: Each person must receive two doses of the vaccine with an interval of 21 days between the first and second dose.
Q: Who is not eligible for the Comirnaty vaccine?
A: The vaccine is not suitable for:
> Individuals with a history of severe allergies to a particular food, medicine or environment that require hospital treatment.
> Individuals who are pregnant with an allergy after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
> Individuals who have undergone organ transplants such as kidney or blood transplants three months before vaccination.
> Individuals receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
> Individuals with HIV whose CD4 white blood cell count is less than 200 cells / mL.
> Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant.
> Those with a fever caused by a virus or bacterial infections.
> Those who received monoclonal or blood plasma antibodies as treatment for Covid-19 three months before vaccination.
> Those with low blood plate levels.