BNT vaccine is finally here! The biggest difference between BNT and AZ, Moderna, and Medigen is that people under 18 can get vaccinated. Are you or your friends preparing to make a reservation? Let’s take a look at the side effects, reservation methods, and precautions of the BNT vaccine together!
1. What are the side effects of the BNT vaccine?
If you are considering making a reservation for the BNT vaccine, you must be curious about the age requirements and side effects. What are the side effects of the BNT vaccine, and how long do they last? Is there a way to alleviate the side effects of BNT?
(1) How Does the Vaccine Work? What Are the Timing and Symptoms of BNT Side Effects?
✦ Mechanism of the BNT vaccine
The BNT vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, which does not contain live virus and does not change your DNA. The mechanism of vaccine operation is to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies by injecting mRNA that can produce the surface spike protein of the coronavirus, thereby attacking the virus protein and memorizing it to have protective power against the coronavirus.
The BNT vaccine is currently open to adolescents and adults over 12 years old. As for side effects, we already know that the first dose of the AZ vaccine has strong side effects, while the second dose has milder ones. However, the side effects of mRNA vaccines like Moderna and BNT are different: the occurrence rate of side effects after the first dose of BNT is relatively low, while it is higher after the second dose, meaning “the BNT vaccine has a sweet start and a bitter end.”
✦ Symptoms of BNT side effects
According to the “COVID-19 Vaccine: Knowledge is Power” document compiled by the Department of Family Medicine at NTU Hospital, after administering the BNT vaccine to adolescents aged 12-17 in the United States, the common side effects reported in the CDC VAERS system are as follows:
- Dizziness (occurrence rate 20.1%)
- Fainting (occurrence rate 13.3%)
- Headache (occurrence rate 11.1%)
- Loss of consciousness (occurrence rate 7.5%)
- Night sweats (occurrence rate 7.4%)
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, within 7 days after vaccination, the symptoms and frequencies of BNT side effects from the third phase clinical trial are as follows:
| Common BNT Side Effects | 12-15 Year Old Adolescents | 16 Years and Older Adolescents and Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site pain | 90.5% | 84.1% |
| Fatigue | 77.5% | 62.9% |
| Headache | 75.5% | 55.1% |
| Muscle pain | 42.2% | 38.3% |
| Chills | 49.2% | 31.9% |
| Joint pain | 20.2% | 23.6% |
| Fever (>38°C) | 24.3% | 14.2% |
Additionally, besides the common symptoms mentioned above, the following less common adverse reactions may occur:
| Uncommon (occurring less than 1/100) | Lymph node enlargement, allergic reactions (such as rash, itching), insomnia, itching at the injection site |
| Rare (occurring less than 1/1000) | Facial nerve paralysis, allergic reactions (hives, angioedema) |
| Currently unclear | Systemic severe allergic reactions, myocarditis, pericarditis |
➤ How to Prevent Adolescents from Needle Phobia of BNT?
Please note that although not mentioned above, needle phobia of BNT shots is more likely to occur during collective vaccination of adolescents.
Needle phobia is caused by psychological stress and fear, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. It is unrelated to the safety of the vaccine and does not cause any lasting effects. Simply resting and relieving tension can alleviate these symptoms. It is recommended that adolescents receiving the vaccine avoid fasting and dehydration (remember to eat a proper meal and drink plenty of water before the injection), and receive the vaccine while sitting down to prevent fainting and injury from falling. After vaccination, it is advised to stay under observation for 15-30 minutes.
(Prior to vaccination, it is recommended to have a balanced and light diet, and to consume more anti-inflammatory foods! For details, you can refer to the Mediterranean diet menu: Mediterranean Diet Menu Guide! Principles for Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Reduction)
✦ How Long Does it Take for BNT Side Effects to Subside? How to Alleviate Discomfort?
BNT side effects such as fever and joint pain typically improve significantly within 48 hours and disappear within a few days. If you feel uncomfortable immediately after receiving the BNT vaccine, you can try the following methods:
- Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site:
Avoid rubbing the area; you can use a damp towel for cold compresses or apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for about 15-20 minutes at a time. - Fatigue, feeling cold:
Get plenty of rest and sleep, and adjust your clothing and bedding according to your comfort. - Headache, muscle pain, joint pain:
If necessary, you can take anti-inflammatory pain relievers with a dosage interval of approximately 4-6 hours. - Fever:
Drink plenty of water to increase metabolism, and if necessary, you can take fever-reducing medications, use fever patches, or take a lukewarm bath to reduce body temperature.
2. Precautions and Warning Signs of Adverse Reactions to BNT Vaccine
(1) Severe Adverse Reactions to BNT: Chest Pain, Myocarditis, Pericarditis
According to reports from the US CDC VAERS system, 60% of cases of fainting after BNT vaccination were female, and 70% of severe adverse reactions were male, both with a median age of 15. The most common severe adverse reactions to BNT were chest pain (56.4%) and myocarditis (40.3%), with a reporting rate of myocarditis of 4.3%. However, there have been no cases of myocarditis-related deaths due to BNT side effects.
Furthermore, according to post-marketing surveillance data from the US FDA and data from the UK Department of Public Health, myocarditis and pericarditis are more likely to occur in “males under 40, especially adolescents aged 12-17, after receiving the second dose of BNT vaccine.” Actual adverse symptoms may vary from person to person, but typically include difficulty breathing, palpitations, and chest pain. However, after short-term follow-up, most cases have resolved after treatment, indicating that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
(2) Seek Medical Attention If Experiencing These Conditions Within 28 Days After Vaccination
- Fever above 38°C lasting more than 48 hours
- Dizziness, fainting
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate, palpitations
- Chest discomfort, chest pain
- Generalized rash
- Decreased exercise tolerance (shortness of breath after walking a few steps, weakness when climbing stairs, etc.)
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above or any abnormal symptoms not listed as side effects, seek medical attention promptly to clarify the cause and provide your doctor with information such as the brand, date of vaccination, and medical history for diagnosis.
If there is suspicion of a serious adverse event following vaccination, it can be reported to the “Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System” through medical institutions or health authorities for assistance.
3. Things You Need to Know About BNT!
- Vaccine Full Name: Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 Vaccine
- Age for Vaccination: 12 years and above
- Route of Administration: Intramuscular injection
- Vaccination Efficacy: Full vaccination with 2 doses for individuals aged 16 and above provides up to 94% protection after 7 days
- Effectiveness Against Delta Variant: 94% for the first dose of BNT, 96% for the second dose
- Dosage: 0.3 ml (this is the dosage after dilution with sterile saline solution)
- Vaccination Interval: The recommended interval for the second dose of BNT vaccine is at least 21 days (about 3 weeks) based on the single-dose recommendation, but currently, according to the ACIP recommendation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the interval for booking the second dose of BNT vaccine is at least 28 days (about 4 weeks).
Explanation of BNT Dilution: The original volume of BNT drug is 0.45 ml per bottle, which needs to be diluted with 1.8 ml of 0.9% sterile saline solution before administration. The total dosage is approximately 2.25 ml, and one bottle can yield at least 6 doses, with each dose being 0.3 ml.
▲ Who Should Avoid or Delay BNT Vaccination?
The following information is excerpted from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's BNT COVID-19 Vaccine Information and COVID-19 Information compiled by the Department of Family Medicine at National Taiwan University Hospital.
- Children under 12 are not currently recommended for vaccination
- Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine components or previous injections of the vaccine
- Individuals who are currently feverish or suffering from acute or severe illnesses and whose condition is unstable
- All individuals with impaired immune function, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, may have reduced immune responses to the vaccine, and it is recommended to discuss the timing of vaccination with your primary care physician
- Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to products containing PEG (polyethylene glycol), such as cosmetics, drugs (Niflec, Depo-Medrol, Depo-Provera, Micera, Neulasta, Herceptin, etc.), should inform their doctor and carefully assess the situation, and may be advised to receive non-BNT vaccines
4. How to Make Reservations for BNT and What to Pay Attention to?
With the gradual arrival of BNT vaccines, the Central Epidemic Command Center is also steadily opening up reservations for vaccination to the public. The latest information on BNT vaccine reservations can be found on the “National Vaccine Appointment Platform”.
In addition, the government is also actively arranging for adolescents aged 12-17 to be vaccinated in schools. However, since this vaccination is voluntary, there are two ways for adolescents to make reservations for BNT:
- Parents (guardians/relatives) can register their willingness on the “COVID-19 National Vaccine Appointment Platform” and make reservations when eligible or receive SMS reminders.
- Students with school enrollment can follow the centralized vaccination model for students, and vaccination arrangements will be notified by the school.
▲ What to Pay Attention to Before Receiving the BNT Vaccine?
- Fully understand the benefits and side effects of BNT before signing the consent form.
- Confirm that you do not have any discomfort or conditions unsuitable for vaccination as mentioned above before receiving the vaccine.
- Do not stay up late the night before vaccination and ensure at least 8 hours of sleep.
- Wear loose short sleeves for vaccination to facilitate the injection process. (Remember to eat before vaccination and drink plenty of water)
- Be sure to bring your health insurance card, and if you need to receive the second dose of BNT, also bring the “COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Record Card”.
▲ Can BNT Vaccinated Adolescents Take Vaccine Leave if They Feel Unwell?
Yes! As of September 27, according to information from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, students who feel unwell after receiving the vaccine through the above two reservation methods can apply for vaccine leave from the school. This absence will not be recorded, and the principle is three days (including the day of vaccination), which may be extended if necessary. In addition, parents who need to take care of their children can also apply for epidemic prevention care leave.
✦ Can the BNT Vaccine Be Mixed? Does the Mixing Order Matter?
According to overseas clinical trials, although mixing vaccines may increase mild to moderate adverse reactions, it can also increase antibody expression and may provide better protection against different viral strains. However, there are two recommendations for the mixing order:
- After receiving the first dose of the AZ vaccine, the mRNA vaccine (such as BNT or Moderna) can be administered with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks.
- After receiving the first dose of the mRNA vaccine, the second dose can be mixed with another brand of mRNA vaccine, but it is not recommended to switch to the AZ vaccine or other adenovirus vaccines such as Covishield from India.
Therefore, if you are an adult aged 18 or older, you may consider changing your willingness registration online to select the AZ vaccine, which not only provides protection earlier but also gives you more options if the government opens up the choice of mixed vaccinations later!
Would you like to learn more about other COVID-19 information? You can check out:
- AstraZeneca (AZ) Vaccine: Side Effects Observed, Desired Effectiveness Not Achieved
- Moderna Vaccine: Side Effects & 7 Groups Unsuitable for Vaccination
- Menstrual Cycle: 4 Steps to Menstrual Algorithm and 9 Reasons for Irregular Periods!
- Alcohol Disinfection: Concentration Adjustment and 6 Practical Tips/a>
- Ginger can stop nausea, enhance immunity, and has 8 major benefits! Understanding the differences between young ginger and old ginger in one table
References:
- CDC – Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety
- GOV.UK – Information for UK recipients on Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Regulation 174)
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan – BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Recipients
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan – COVID-19 Vaccines
- National Taiwan University Hospital – COVID-19 Vaccine: Knowledge is Power
