Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine facts for kids

A doctor holding the Pfizer vaccine

Temperature the Pfizer vaccine must be kept at to ensure effectiveness, roughly between (−80 and −60 °C)

The Pfizer–BioNTech COVID‑19 vaccine, also known as Comirnaty, is a special medicine. It helps protect people from COVID‑19. This vaccine was made by a German company called BioNTech and an American company called Pfizer.

It was the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use. Later, it was also the first one approved for regular use.

How the Vaccine Works

What is an RNA Vaccine?

The Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine is an RNA vaccine. This means it uses a tiny piece of genetic code called mRNA. Think of mRNA as a set of instructions. These instructions tell your body how to make a harmless part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This part is called the "spike protein."

When your body makes this spike protein, your immune system learns to recognize it. If you then come across the real virus, your body knows how to fight it off. The mRNA instructions are wrapped in tiny fat bubbles called lipid nanoparticles. This helps them get into your cells safely.

Getting the Vaccine

The vaccine is given as a shot into your muscle. This is called an intramuscular injection. To get the best protection, you need two doses. These doses are given three weeks apart.

When and Where it was Approved

In December 2020, the United Kingdom was the first country to approve this vaccine for emergency use. Soon after, countries like the United States, the European Union, and many others around the world also approved it.

Making More Vaccines

Pfizer and BioNTech are working hard to make many more doses. In February 2021, they announced plans to make about two billion doses that year. This helps make sure more people can get vaccinated.

Images for kids

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  A Pfizer employee putting dry ice in a box to protect the COVID-19 vaccines during transport at the Puurs factory

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  Boxes containing the COVID‑19 vaccines at the Pfizer factory in Puurs

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  Inside view of Pfizer factory in Puurs

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  This graph shows how well the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine worked in a study. The blue line shows fewer infections for people who got the vaccine. The red line shows more infections for people who got a fake shot (placebo).

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  The Comirnaty vaccine vial

See also

In Spanish: Vacuna de Pfizer-BioNTech contra la COVID-19 para niños