Comparing 'Purchase Confirmation' AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Janssen

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government has signed purchase contracts for COVID-19 vaccines with AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Pfizer, which are expected to arrive in the country in the first, second, and third quarters of next year, respectively.

AstraZeneca, which could be available for vaccination as early as February next year, has secured doses for 10 million people, Janssen for 6 million, and Pfizer for 10 million.

Pfizer's Preventive Effect Reaches 95.0%... AstraZeneca Wins on Price

The COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University in the UK has a lower prevention rate than Pfizer's vaccine but is cheaper and easier to store.

The preventive effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine averages 70.4%. Although lower than Pfizer's (95.0%), it can increase up to 90% depending on the administration method. Janssen's vaccine is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.

The number of doses required is two for AstraZeneca and Pfizer, and one for Janssen. The AstraZeneca vaccine is administered at least one month apart, while the Pfizer vaccine is given again three weeks after the first dose. Janssen's single-dose vaccine is in Phase 3 trials, and if effective, it offers the advantage of streamlining the vaccination schedule.

In terms of price, AstraZeneca's vaccine is the cheapest. The cost per dose is about $4 (4,500 KRW). Janssen is also relatively inexpensive at $10 (about 10,900 KRW). On the other hand, Pfizer's vaccine costs $19.5 (about 21,700 KRW), roughly five times that of AstraZeneca's vaccine.

AstraZeneca and Janssen Can Be Stored in Household Refrigerators

AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines do not require stringent storage and distribution conditions. Both can be stored for up to six months at household refrigerator temperatures (2?8 degrees Celsius). Pfizer's vaccine requires ultra-low temperature conditions, needing storage and transport below minus 70 degrees Celsius.

AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines use the 'viral vector' method, whereas Pfizer's vaccine employs the new technology 'messenger ribonucleic acid' (mRNA) method. The viral vector method uses a modified virus, a conventional approach. mRNA injects genes to produce antigens, which then lead to antibody production. This method can speed up vaccine development but has not yet been commercialized.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.