Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSutter Lakeside Hospital
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Sutter Lakeside
  • For Patients
  • 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
  • Types of COVID-19 Vaccines
Content

Types of COVID-19 Vaccines

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson and Novavax. Full FDA approval has been granted to Pfizer for ages 12 and up and Moderna for ages 18 and up. Learn about COVID-19 vaccines at Sutter.

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

TopicPfizer*ModernaJanssen/J&JNOVOVAX
Emergency use in the U.S. Yes, with full FDA approval for ages 16+ Yes with full FDA approval for ages 18+ Yes Yes, for ages 12+
Age groups 6 months+ 6 months to 5 years, 18+ 18+ 12+
Primary vaccination series 3 doses, ages 6 months to 4 years 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart** 1 dose 2 shots given 3-8 weeks apart
Booster doses 5 months after second shot for anyone over age 5 5 months after second shot for anyone over age 12 2 months after initial dose; second mRNA booster for ages 50 and up at least 4 months after the first booster. N/A
Vaccine type mRNA mRNA Viral vector Adjuvanted
How it works This mRNA vaccine helps teach our immune system to recognize COVID-19. This mRNA vaccine helps teach our immune system to recognize COVID-19. This viral vector vaccine is made of an inactivated, harmless virus that helps instruct our immune system to recognize COVID-19. The vaccine contains an inactive viral protein with an added ingredient to help boost the immune system response to provide protection.
Common side effects Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and fever Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and fever Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and fever Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and fever
Potential allergens Doesn't contain eggs, preservatives or latex (see ingredient list) Doesn't contain eggs, preservatives or latex (see ingredient list) Doesn't contain eggs, preservatives or latex (see ingredient list) Doesn’t contain eggs, preservatives or latex (see ingredient list)
Time to maximum protection from primary series Two weeks after 2nd dose Two weeks after 2nd dose Two weeks 2 weeks after receipt of 2nd dose

If viewing this chart on your phone, scroll to the left to see all vaccines.

*See schedule for COVID-19 vaccination for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

**According to the CDC, an 8-week interval may be optimal for some people ages 12 years and older, especially for those ages 12 to 39 years. A shorter interval (3 weeks for Pfizer-BioNTech; 4 weeks for Moderna) between the first and second doses remains the recommended interval for: people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised; adults ages 65 years and older.

Sources: Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen/J&J, FDA and CDC

mRNA Vaccine FAQs

How mRNA Vaccines Work

Dr. Walker Explains

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Dr. Brown Explains

Development and Side Effects

Dr. Krishna Explains

More COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

What to Expect After Your Vaccine

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences