Vaccines are simple, right? By definition, they stimulate your immune system to fight a particular virus. Yet, as COVID-19 vaccines are produced, it seems that not all are made equal. Some options require two doses, while another only requires one. Despite this, however, each vaccine has its own pros and cons.

There are three major vaccines in particular: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and compared to the other two major vaccines, is unique in its method of action. Johnson & Johnson is a viral vector vaccine, meaning it uses a gene code that resembles genes from Coronavirus, and said genes attach themselves to the surface on some cells. The immune system, thinking this is the real deal and not a gene code that simply resembles one from the virus, begins producing antibodies and T-cells to fight the ‘infection’. Now, the body knows how to combat the real virus if it ever gets into the body. 

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are similar in the sense that they are both considered mRNA vaccines. mRNA, or ribonucleic acid, are strands of instructions telling your body to make a particular protein. Don’t worry—mRNA is unable to modify a person’s DNA itself and never enters the nucleus. The mRNA that these two vaccines give to the immune cells provides coding on how to develop protective proteins in order to combat COVID-19. The main difference between the two is very small and mostly down to the fact that they were developed by separate labs. 

So, which one is right for you or your loved ones? According to many doctors, all three vaccines are considered to be highly effective against the virus, and receiving any vaccine that’s available to you is a good option. However, there could be a reason that you may want to receive one vaccine over another. 

Pfizer and Moderna have been shown to have a slightly higher rate of effectiveness compared to Johnson & Johnson, which means many are opting for these two vaccines. Yet, many, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House Chief Medical Advisor, have stated that Johnson & Johnson should be taken if it’s available. However, this doesn’t mean that Johnson & Johnson is the vaccine you take if you don’t have any other options as it too provides its own benefits. 

The benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are more to do with the way they are handled and given rather than the effects it has, however. For starters, you only need one shot instead of the two that the other vaccines require, and it doesn’t require any special storage. Other vaccines, such as Pfizer, require ultra-cold high-cost refrigerators, not to mention the limited space of these freezers. Unable to keep said vaccine in the proper temperature ruins it, giving it severe side effects if taken. Not to mention that scheduling a vaccination is much easier for Johnson & Johnson as you and your healthcare provider(s) don’t have to find a time slot that is available for the second shot needed for the other vaccinations. 

The common side effects are similar for all three vaccines in question if given in the proper manner, of course. Many people get no side effects at all, but some still do. Right after receiving the vaccination, some experience mild aches and pains, redness around the injection site, and moderate swelling. These are the most common side effects and usually go away after a short amount of time. Other, somewhat uncommon, side effects are tiredness, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, although these are usually mild and short-lasting at their worst. Many of these symptoms can safely be reduced using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines. Although it’s a good idea to ask your doctor first before taking such pain killers after the vaccination. However, it has been made clear by the medical community that such painkillers should not be taken before the shot, as they can cause issues if in the system before the vaccination is given. 

So what’s the bottom line? See your doctor before vaccination. All three coronavirus vaccines that are currently being used have shown to be effective with little risks of serious danger. The only major concern would be if you had a prior health condition that may cause issues. All in all, although there is a rough understanding, it’s important to look into information yourself and see which one is right for you or your loved ones.