Immunovirological characteristics of some COVID-19 vaccines in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has represented an unprecedented health, economic and social catastrophe for the present generations. Despite health efforts, no effective pharmacological treatment is known, so biosecurity measures and vaccines are the main containment measures.

Objective: Describe the immunovirological and clinical characteristics of four of the main vaccines available in Colombia.

Methods: A bibliographic search of documents published in the period 2020-2021 was carried out. Keywords such as "DNA and RNA" vaccines were used; "COVID vaccines"; "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2" for the recovery of documents in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, Science Direct, among others.

Results: Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines with a 2-dose schedule and a third booster; the first with an effectiveness of 95%, the second between 82% and 95% depending on the age group. Some side effects of both vaccines can become myocarditis and pericarditis. AstraZeneca is a non-replicative viral vector vaccine, with 69% effectiveness and a two-dose schedule, with a possible booster. Some adverse effects reported are thromboembolic diseases, Guillain-Barré and transverse myelitis. CoronaVac is an inactivated SARS-CoV2 vaccine, with 54% effectiveness and 100% prevention of hospitalizations, and it is the newest of the vaccines developed and may present the same adverse effects as the previous ones. Specific contraindications were found for no vaccine. In Colombia, the most applied are Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna.

Conclusions: Several vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed with different mechanisms of action. No absolute contraindications are reported that justify not being vaccinated; on the contrary, vaccination is the most promising bet to end the pandemic. It is necessary to promote strategies that increase the vaccination rate, especially in reluctant population groups.