Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

What are the differences between the vaccine for people 12+ and the vaccine for those 5-11?

Check out our quick guide!

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#ScienceUpFirst

Both vaccines are safe and effective. ✅💉

Both use mRNA as the active ingredient. ✅💉

What’s different?

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The colour of the vial cap is different. 👀

- 12+ vial has a purple cap 🟣

- 5-11 vial has an orange cap 🟠

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The dosage is different.

- 12+ dose contains 30 mcg of mRNA 🟣

- 5-11 dose contains 10 mcg of mRNA 🟠

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The lowest possible dose that still gives a strong immune response is best.

Clinical trials found a 10 mcg dose for 5-11 had a similar antibody response as 30 mcg for 16-25 year olds (1). 🟠

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The buffer used is different.

- 12+ used phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as a buffer 🟣

- 5-11 used tromethamine (Tris) as a buffer instead of PBS 🟠

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Tris is a very common and safe medical ingredient. With Tris as a buffer, vaccines can be stored unopened in regular refrigerators for up to 10 weeks (2,3). 🟠

The total volume of buffers in the vaccine is very low.

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As with all vaccines, @GovCanHealth will continue to closely monitor the safety of the 5-11 vaccine.

Questions? Leave us a comment!

References: tinyurl.com/SUFVaccineCaps

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