# Any reason to pick Pfizer over Moderna, or does it not really matter **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [March 21, 2021, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354 "2021-03-21T17:38:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/21 "2021-03-22T15:27:13Z")
Slight hijack, in case you hadn’t heard or figured it out yourself: the name ModeRNA was not chosen at random. (I heard it from writer/comedian Adam Felber on the Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone podcast.) ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/22 "2021-03-22T15:43:29Z")
Yep, for example the J&J vaccine was tested in the presence of several of the COVID variants, which might have changed the efficacy numbers vs. the other two, but there’s no good way to know. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/23 "2021-03-22T18:56:55Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > > [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > > > you may have lingering symptoms for a year. > > Got a cite? Not that I doubt you; I just haven’t heard much about the newer vaccines. that’s a miscommunication. I didn’t mean the vaccines make you sick for a year. I mean I’m more worried about long hauler symptoms that the short term illness. I know there’s no evidence yet as to whether any vaccine helps more than another for long hauler symptoms, but it’s a serious issue and asking for. clarification about whether one vaccine is better than another is a valid conversation topic. The fact that Pfizer only requires three weeks between shots vs 4 weeks for Moderna for example is a reason to pick Pfizer if possible. ---
**Author:** ![FigNorton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fignorton/32/5619_2.png) [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/24 "2021-03-22T19:12:49Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > The fact that Pfizer only requires three weeks between shots vs 4 weeks for Moderna for example is a reason to pick Pfizer if possible Not much of one, especially when lots of places aren’t being that strict on that schedule. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/25 "2021-03-22T20:20:39Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > I haven’t heard any medical reason to get the mRNA vaccine over the traditional vaccine (J&J). I’d actually prefer the J&J since it’s a single shot and will get me to fully vaccinated quicker. These are the only medical reasons I’m aware of to get one or the other, and it’s a pretty small group in both cases: 1. If you’re allergic to [PEG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol) then you want to stay aware from the mRNA vaccines because they are both made with this. 2. If you are prone to blood clots you will want to avoid the J&J vaccine because it is associated not with more frequent clots but more severe clotting if a blood clot does occur. There’s a particular blood disorder associated with this, but I’m not an expert on it. Perhaps one of our more knowledgeable Dopers will chime in. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/26 "2021-03-22T20:47:52Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > I’ve heard that Pfizer’s mRNA is basically just the spike protein, Moderna contains the spike and others parts of the virus proteins. Re: Moderna > One dose (0.5 mL) contains 100 micrograms of messenger RNA (mRNA) (embedded in SM-102 lipid \> nanoparticles). > > Single-stranded, 5’-capped messenger RNA (mRNA) produced using a cell-free in vitro transcription \> from the corresponding DNA templates, encoding the viral spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. So no, just the spike. To the OP: I’m in the “Take whatever you can get soonest” camp. j ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/27 "2021-03-22T20:52:08Z")
> [@FigNorton](#): > > > [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > > > The fact that Pfizer only requires three weeks between shots vs 4 weeks for Moderna for example is a reason to pick Pfizer if possible > > Not much of one, especially when lots of places aren’t being that strict on that schedule. Right. My parents got the Pfizer vaccine in Connecticut, with thirty days between doses. I think the CDC said up to six weeks is OK. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/28 "2021-03-23T00:05:47Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Right. My parents got the Pfizer vaccine in Connecticut, with thirty days between doses. I think the CDC said up to six weeks is OK. Here in Ontario (and some other provinces) the second dose has been stretched to 12-16 weeks for all vaccines. My mother got her 1st Pfizer two weeks ago with an appointment for next week. A follow up text message has moved her appointment to June. The government feels they will reduce the numbers faster by getting everyone at least one shot as quickly as possible. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/29 "2021-03-23T16:50:21Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Around here, the moderna shot is being given at walmarts, while the Pfizer vaccine is being given at hospitals. I just got mine yesterday. It was a Pfizer shot (I actually had no way of determining what it was until literally seconds before the jab), and I got it at a Walgreens. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/30 "2021-03-23T16:59:14Z")
The Pfizer vaccine has to be stored at something like minus 70 degrees, so the Walmart pharmacy may not be equipped for that. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/31 "2021-03-23T17:22:36Z")
I believe the storage requirements have been relaxed as data has been collected showing they were unnecessarily stringent. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/32 "2021-03-23T21:50:47Z")
I “picked” Moderna because that was the only kind available at the first place that will jab me. This Friday. Looking forward to it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/33 "2021-03-23T22:05:11Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > The fact that Pfizer only requires three weeks between shots vs 4 weeks for Moderna for example is a reason to pick Pfizer if possible. I’m pretty sure that’s an artifact of the testing regimen they each chose, and not due to an intrinsic difference in how they work. Of course, until we have additional evidence, it’s prudent to use the protocol used in the testing. But we’re going to have a lot more evidence in a few months (from the UK, and perhaps Canada, where they are stretching out that timing) and I’ll be shocked if they don’t work at least as well with a longer lag between the initial and second jab. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/34 "2021-03-23T23:09:16Z")
Probably true. But most of us want a shorter interval, or no interval at all, not a longer one. The individual private health goal is best practical immunity ASAP. I understand the collective public health goal may well be more people semi-immune sooner. Both perspectives are legitimate on their own terms. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/35 "2021-03-23T23:52:01Z")
> **[Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Allows More Flexible Storage,...](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-allows-more-flexible-storage-transportation-conditions-pfizer)** > > FDA Updates Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/36 "2021-03-24T00:11:23Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The Pfizer vaccine has to be stored at something like minus 70 degrees, so the Walmart pharmacy may not be equipped for that. I assure you that when it goes into your arm the Pfizer vaccine is NOT at -70 degrees. It’s warmed up to room temperature first - at which point it can only last a brief while longer. But long enough to get into people. The store I work at uses Pfizer for the vaccinations. It’s actually stored at a local hospital about a 10-15 minute drive from the store. On a vaccination day it’s brought to the store and loaded into syringes. The store itself doesn’t need -70 freezers, it just needs to be close to a place that does have them. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/37 "2021-03-24T02:23:22Z")
A regular medical refrigeration has just been approved for Pfizer. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/38 "2021-03-24T02:29:24Z")
My first choice is J&J since I would only need one shot. My second choice is Pfizer since it’s three weeks between the two shots and supposedly the side effects are generally not as bad after the second shot. Third is Moderna which I will happily accept especially if I can get the first shot earlier and closer to my house. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/39 "2021-03-24T03:07:42Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Probably true. But most of us want a shorter interval, or no interval at all, not a longer one. The individual private health goal is best practical immunity ASAP. > > I understand the collective public health goal may well be more people semi-immune sooner. Both perspectives are legitimate on their own terms. One shot of either RNA vaccine gives you decent immunity, at least for a short time. I guess I’ll wait until two weeks after the second shot to do anything exciting, but I’ll be a lot less anxious three weeks after the first one, for any of the ones currently authorized in the US. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354/40 "2021-03-24T03:36:02Z")
I got Moderna. I initially would have preferred Pfizer due to the one-week-shorter interval, but frick, I’ve been alone and on lockdown for over a year. I haven’t seen my kids in 65 weeks. I’m thrilled I’m finally en route to normalcy and am not about to whine about one extra week, especially when so many people still haven’t been able to get vaccinated. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-to-pick-pfizer-over-moderna-or-does-it-not-really-matter/938354.md?page=3)