Creating a new vaccine can take years. However, the development of vaccines for COVID-19 has progressed quickly for many reasons, including:
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Number of patients vaccinated around the world
BioNTech’s research of mRNA
Pfizer’s history in developing vaccines
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
How important is the second dose?
Safety information
Number of patients vaccinated around the world
patients in clinical trials
During its development, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was received by over 22,000 patients in clinical trials.
doses worldwide
(as of February 24, 2022)
Around the world, more than 403 million doses have been given – and those numbers continue to increase.
Pfizer partnered with BioNTech
due to this company's dedication to scientific innovation and leadership, and its rich history of mRNA vaccine research. While clinical studies for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine began in 2020, BioNTech had been working with the mRNA technology for more than 20 years.
Genetic sequencing of the virus
Start of global development program
Phase 1/2 studies
Phase 2/3 studies
Authorization for use
Ongoing studies
Pfizer is committed to bringing patients timely access to quality healthcare through innovative medicine backed by strong science and supportive patient experiences.
Pfizer’s legacy in vaccines is rooted in its long-standing presence
in preventive solutions and vaccine development.
Their portfolio, including those of their legacy companies, is comprehensive and includes vaccines that are administered through routine immunization programs.
Smallpox vaccine developed at the Company’s Lancaster County Vaccine Farm*
* Wyeth
The Company introduces a combined vaccine for the prevention of diphtheria,
tetanus, and pertussis (DTP)†
† Lederle Laboratories
First to license an oral form of live trivalent poliovirus
†
† Lederle Laboratories
First to license a conjugate-based vaccine for
Haemophilus influenzae type b
‡
‡ Praxis Biologics
First to license a meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine §
§ Wyeth Lederle Vaccines and Pediatrics
First to license a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
§
§ Wyeth Lederle Vaccines and Pediatrics
First to license a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
¶
¶ Pfizer
First to license a meningococcal group B vaccine
¶
¶ Pfizer
Pfizer’s innovative vaccine portfolio is driven by
scientific research and development.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19
Vaccine can be given to people 5 years of age and older.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is injected into a muscle of your upper arm.
The recommended primary dose schedule is 2 injections given 3 weeks apart. However, the time between doses may differ depending on the vaccination protocol in your province.
In people who are immunocompromised, including those receiving immunosuppressant therapy, a third dose may be considered as part of
the primary series, because they may have a diminished immune response to the vaccine.
A booster dose may be given to people 18 years of age and older, at least 6 months after completion of the primary series.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a booster dose of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be offered ≥6 months after completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series to adults ≥50 years of age and adults living in long-term care homes or other congregate living settings that provide care for seniors. A booster dose of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be offered ≥6 months after completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series to adults 18–49 years of age with consideration of jurisdictional and individual risks.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) notes that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is efficacious against symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 disease when provided as a two-dose schedule.
It is very important that you return for all subsequent doses of the vaccine.
The vaccine may not work as well if you do not receive all doses.
It is very important that you return for all subsequent doses of the vaccine.
The vaccine may not work as well if you do not receive all doses.
The National Advisory Committee on
Immunization (NACI) notes that the
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is
efficacious against symptomatic
laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 disease
when provided as a two-dose schedule.
People 18 years of age and older may be given a booster dose at least
6 months after completion of the primary series.
The NACI recommends that a booster dose of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
should be offered ≥6 months after completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series
to :
A booster dose of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be offered ≥6 months after completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series to adults 18–49 years of age with consideration of jurisdictional and individual risks
As with any vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may not fully protect all those who receive it.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should not be used if you/your child have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
If you/your child have any symptoms that could be due to COVID-19, talk with your healthcare professional about your symptoms and getting a COVID-19 test. Your healthcare professional will advise you when you are able to receive the vaccine.
Before getting the vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional if you/your child:
Please note:
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include: pain and swelling at injection-site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, and diarrhea. Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 100 and up to 1 in 10 people) include: injection site redness, nausea, and vomiting. Uncommon side effects (may affect more than 1 in 1000 and up to 1 in 100 people) include: enlarged lymph nodes, feeling unwell, arm pain, feeling weak or lack of energy/sleepy, decreased appetite, excessive sweating and night sweats. Non-severe allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face), severe allergic reactions and facial paralysis/Bell’s palsy have been reported. There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Should you/your child develop any serious symptoms or symptoms that could be an allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy), swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness and weakness.
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