Pfizer vaccine or BNT162b2 is a vaccine to prevent infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease. The Pfizer vaccine is the result of a collaboration between a German biotechnology company, BioNTech, and an American pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. This vaccine has been under development since 2020.
The Pfizer vaccine is an mRNA vaccine (messenger RNA). This type of vaccine will trigger the immune system to form spike proteins, which will later help the body form antibodies that can fight the Corona virus.
Based on phase III clinical trials conducted in the United States, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina, the Pfizer vaccine has an efficacy value, namely a protective effect against COVID-19, of 95%.
Pfizer vaccine trademarks: -
What's that Pfizer Vaccines
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | COVID-19 Vaccine |
| Benefit | Preventing COVID-19 or SARS-Cov-2 virus infection |
| Used by | Adults and children over 12 years old |
| Pfizer vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Pfizer vaccine can be given to pregnant and lactating women. For pregnant women, it can be administered from over 12 weeks of gestation and no later than 33 weeks of gestation. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Receiving Pfizer Vaccines
The following are things to consider before receiving the Pfizer vaccine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. The Pfizer vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to the ingredients in this vaccine.
- The Pfizer vaccine is intended for healthy adolescents and adults over the age of 16. The effectiveness and safety of this vaccine is not known for children under 16 years of age.
- The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for children over 12 years of age and adults.
- Tell your doctor if you or someone you live in the same household has a fever above 37.5°C, shortness of breath, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine should not be used by people who are experiencing COVID-19.
- Tell your doctor if you have an ARI, weakened immune system, blood clotting disorder, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, lung disease, heart disease, cancer, or blood disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain blood-thinning medications, immunosuppressant medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you have received a different brand of COVID-19 vaccination.
- Pfizer vaccine can be given to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. For pregnant women, it can be started at 12 weeks of gestation and no later than 33 weeks, under the supervision of a doctor.
- See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.
Pfizer Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
The Pfizer vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Pfizer vaccine injections are given 2 times with an interval of 21 days. The dose of Pfizer vaccine in a single injection is 0.3 ml.
How to Give Pfizer Vaccines
The Pfizer vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM). This vaccine injection is carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor at a vaccination service facility.
The skin area to be injected with the vaccine will be cleaned with alcohol swab before and after injection. Disposable syringes that have been used will be thrown into the safety box without closing the needle.
To anticipate the occurrence of serious AEFIs (post-immunization co-occurrence), Pfizer vaccine recipients will be asked to stay at the vaccination service center for 30 minutes after being vaccinated.
AEFI is a medical complaint or condition that can occur after vaccination, including side effects and allergic reactions to vaccines.
Pfizer vaccines must be stored in freezer at very low temperatures (ultra low ttemperature/ULT), which is -70° C, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Storage is carried out by the vaccinator.
Even though you have been vaccinated, you still have to comply with health protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, namely washing hands, maintaining physical distance from other people, wearing masks when outside the house, and avoiding crowds.
Interaction Pfizer Vaccines with Other Drugs
The effect of Pfizer vaccine interactions with certain drugs, supplements, or herbal products is not known for certain. Tell your doctor if you are on treatment with blood-thinning drugs or immunosuppressant drugs.
Always consult your doctor if you plan to use certain medications, supplements or herbal products, while undergoing vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine.
Side Effects and Dangers Pfizer Vaccines
Some of the side effects that can occur after using the Pfizer vaccine are:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- Shivering
- Mild fever
- Nausea or feeling unwell
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction after your Pfizer vaccine injection.