New Study Finds Moderna Vaccine Linked to Lower Incidence of Adverse Events in Older Adults
When the COVID-19 vaccines were first introduced, the choices were limited to Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. People in the United States were faced with the decision of which vaccine to choose, leading to a sense of tribalism and even memes. However, with time, scientists have conducted research to determine the effectiveness of these vaccines among different population segments.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Brown University, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that the Moderna vaccine was associated with a slightly lower incidence of adverse events compared to the Pfizer vaccine in adults aged 66 years and older. The authors emphasized that both vaccines remain safe and effective, but this research could provide more concrete guidance for individuals in their decision-making process.
Lead author Daniel Harris, an epidemiologist and research scientist at the Brown University School of Public Health, stated that the study’s results can assist public health experts in determining which mRNA vaccine is preferable for older adults and subgroups with increased frailty. It is important to note that both vaccines were found to be safe for use, and the risk of adverse events is significantly higher with a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, any approved vaccine is better than no vaccine at all.
In addition to the lower incidence of adverse events, the study found that the Moderna vaccine was linked to a 15 percent lower risk of COVID-19 diagnosis among older adults. Furthermore, there was a 4 percent lower risk of pulmonary embolism and a 2 percent lower risk of thromboembolic events, which are blood clotting issues.
Harris explained that the research was conducted to provide patients with more data to make informed decisions about vaccination. As the majority of the global population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine supply is no longer a major concern, this research could encourage those who remain unvaccinated to choose a vaccine they feel more comfortable with and that may potentially be more effective. It can also guide decisions regarding boosters and vaccinations for individuals facing new variants.
Understanding how vaccines work for older adults is crucial, as they may have different and unexpected responses. Harris emphasized that immunization with either mRNA vaccine is significantly better and safer than not being vaccinated at all. However, in an ideal situation where individuals have a choice, the study aimed to determine if one vaccine performed better for older adults and those with increased frailty.
This research marks a significant step in determining the best vaccine for different age groups and populations. While the early days of the pandemic may feel recent, we are now approaching a point where we may soon have it behind us for good.