Get to Know the Disease. Get to Know the Moderna (Spikevax) Vaccine

• What is COVID-19?
• Symptoms of the disease
• What is the Moderna vaccine and what are its benefits?
• Vaccination is prohibited for the following groups
• Warnings and Precautions
• Advice when noticing abnormal symptoms after vaccination
• Moderna vaccine for children and adolescents
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A

• COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 
• The virus is transmitted via contact with respiratory droplets (saliva, mucus, and nasal discharge) of an infected person. The time period from infection to onset of the illness ranges from 2–14 days. 

• Fever, or temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or above 
• Fatigue, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, loss of smell, loss of taste 
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing 
• Red eyes, rash, diarrhea 
• In severe cases, possibility of pneumonia and even death 
• Persons at risk for severe cases include the elderly and patients with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, cancer, or chronic respiratory disease

Moderna is an mRNA vaccine given to people aged 12 years and above for the prevention of COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

The active ingredient in the Moderna vaccine is messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) which has been genetically transcribed from the SARS-CoV-2 virus for the production of the spike protein. This mRNA is embedded in active SM-102 lipid nanoparticles and instructs the cells in the body how to produce a spike protein similar to the spike protein in the virus. The cells in the body will then create antibodies to fight the virus’s spike protein, thereby protecting us from COVID-19. 

***Because the Moderna vaccine does not contain any component of the virus, it does not cause a COVID-19 infection in the body. 

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly in the shoulder area. Two injections are given, with the second dose administered 3-4 weeks following the first dose.

Vaccination is prohibited for the following groups:

• People with allergic reactions to the active ingredient or any other ingredient in the vaccine, including those with a history of allergies to subcutaneous fillers for beauty 
• People allergic to Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), an ingredient often found in cosmetics and drugs including the Moderna vaccine 
• People allergic to Polysorbate, a chemical used in medicine and cosmetics having properties similar to the Polyethylene glycol in the Moderna vaccine 

• You have a history of severe allergic reactions that may have been life threatening after receiving other vaccines 
• You have a history of non-vaccine related allergies 
• You suffer from immunodeficiency or are receiving immunosuppressive drugs 
• You have fainted after receiving an injection 
• You bleed easily or have difficulty stopping bleeding, have a low platelet count, suffer from abnormal blood clotting or are receiving anticoagulants 
• You have symptoms such as fever, chills, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness 
• You are pregnant (less than 12 weeks) or planning to become pregnant (note: breastfeeding mothers can receive the Moderna vaccine) 
• You have severe underlying disease that cannot be controlled 
• You have previously received another COVID-19 vaccine 
• You have anxiety symptoms related to this vaccine 
• You just received or have taken other medications before the Moderna vaccination, as this vaccine may impact its effectiveness and medications can impact the effectiveness of vaccines  

Patients should be closely observed for symptoms at a medical facility at least 30 minutes after vaccination, and observation should be continued at home. Patients experiencing side effects should consult a doctor before their next vaccination.

• Swollen lips, face or throat 
• Feeling faint or experiencing dizziness 
• Abnormal palpitations and shortness of breath 
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 
• Rash 

Swelling and redness in the armpit area, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, pain or redness at the injection site, feeling lethargic, chills and fever 

**Normally go away within 2-3 days after injection 

• COVID arm  
  • Swelling, redness, itching and pain at or near the vaccination site including other symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, etc. 
  • Symptoms usually appear within 7 days of vaccination, and go away 
  • Experienced by women more than men 
  • Apply a cold compress to relieve symptoms, or use topical steroids or antihistamines 
• Inflammation of the heart muscle or pericardium 
  • Symptoms include chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or pain when breathing, palpitations, and fainting 
  • Usually experienced within 7 days after the second dose of vaccination, but can occur up to 30 days after 
  • More common in adolescents and young adults (12-30 years) and in men than women. There have been no reports among the elderly. 
  • Approximately 16 cases occur per 1 million doses of vaccination  
  • Most of the symptoms are mild. Most patients recover after responding to rest or medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, steroids, and colchicine.  

Full body rash, swollen face, swollen neck, trouble breathing, palpitations, dizziness, general weakness, or weakness in your limbs. 

Go to the hospital, contact the nearest hospital or call 1669 to contact the National Institute of Emergency Medicine hotline to receive emergency medical services. 

There is little or no impact on the ability to drive a vehicle or work with machines. However, you should consider refraining from driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any side effects or symptoms. Appropriate caution should be exercised.   

The benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks at any age. The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) continues to recommend vaccination based on the old criteria.

• The Moderna vaccine can be injected in children aged 12-17 years  
• Children should not be vaccinated with other vaccines, and vaccines should be spaced at least 14 days apart, except for necessary vaccinations such as a rabies vaccine for a child bitten by an animal 
• Children, and adolescents who are menstruating, in the postpartum period, or breastfeeding, can be vaccinated against COVID-19 
• Children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19, complications from COVID-19 or Kawasaki disease should be vaccinated 1-3 months after the date of infection 
• Pediatric patients treated with plasma should be vaccinated as soon as 90 days have passed  

1. Children and adolescents who are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine, have severe sensitivity after the first dose of vaccination or suffer a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should get advice from their doctor to consider postponing, or changing the type of vaccine for, their second dose 
2. Children and adolescents who have a history of close contact with COVID-19 patients should postpone vaccination until the child has been tested to confirm that they are not infected with COVID-19 
3. Adolescent girls who are pregnant should be vaccinated when they are more than 3 months pregnant