Last reviewed · How we verify
Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine
This mRNA vaccine instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection.
This mRNA vaccine instructs cells to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, triggering an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection. Used for Prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 6 months of age and older, Booster vaccination for enhanced protection against emerging variants.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) |
| Drug class | mRNA vaccine |
| Target | SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine delivers lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated messenger RNA encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Once inside cells, the mRNA is translated into spike protein, which is presented to the immune system, stimulating both T-cell and B-cell responses. This adaptive immune response generates antibodies and cellular immunity that prevent or reduce severity of COVID-19 upon exposure to the virus.
Approved indications
- Prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 6 months of age and older
- Booster vaccination for enhanced protection against emerging variants
Common side effects
- Injection site pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Assessing Safety of Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccine Administration in the Setting of a Previous Adverse Reaction (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Full Versus Fractional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Given as a Booster for the Prevention of COVID-19 in Adults in Mongolia. (PHASE3)
- COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection in Fully Vaccinated People and in People Who Received a Booster Dose
- Use and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines Using State Vaccine Registries and Insurance Claims Data
- Immunogenicity and Safety of a Booster Vaccination With a Recombinant Protein RBD Candidate Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 in Healthy Adults Volunteers Fully Vaccinated Followed by an Extension Period to Study a Fourth Dose Administration. (PHASE2)
- Evaluating Safety and Immune Response of Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer/BNT, and Novavax COVID-19 Vaccines for Same and Mixed Boosters in Adolescents and Adults Aged 12-64 With and Without HIV in Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda (PHASE2)
- Self-Amplifying mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (LUNAR-COV19) Versus Comirnaty Vaccine in Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients (PHASE2)
- Vaccine Responses in Patients With B Cell Malignancies (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) portfolio CI