COVID-19 Vaccines: mRNA vs Traditional (2020)
by Anonymous
When COVID-19 struck, vaccine developers chose between proven traditional methods (inactivated virus, viral vector) and the untested-at-scale mRNA technology. Moderna and Pfizer's mRNA vaccines were the first to gain emergency authorization.
mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna)
2020
year
11 months (record-breaking)
development speed
~95% against original strain
efficacy
First authorized — billions of doses administered
outcome
Viral Vector (AstraZeneca/J&J)
2020
year
12-14 months
development speed
60-70%
efficacy
Authorized — widely used globally
outcome
Inactivated Virus (Sinovac/Sinopharm)
2020
year
12-15 months
development speed
50-80%
efficacy
Used primarily in China and developing countries
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
Internet Architecture: Packet Switching vs Circuit Switching (1969)
Packet Switching vs Circuit Switching
Olympics: Athens Revival (1896)
Athens, Greece vs Paris, France
Darwin: Publish Now or Wait (1858)
Publish Immediately (Joint Presentation) vs Continue Waiting
Louisiana Purchase: Buy or Not (1803)
Buy Louisiana Territory vs Decline the Offer
Edison vs Tesla: AC vs DC Electricity (1880s)
Alternating Current (AC) vs Direct Current (DC)
Magellan: Strait of Magellan vs Open Ocean (1520)
Navigate the Strait vs Round Cape Horn vs Turn Back