I got Pfizer because it was what I had but mainly because it was what was offered. That said, as far as I can tell there were two major differences between the original vaccines, the Moderna dose was 3 and 1/3 times Pfizer some and the interval between was 4 weeks instead of three for Pfizer. It is likely that either one or both of these differences (and I am betting on the bigger dose) accounted for slightly improved initial protection, perhaps statistically insignificant, with Moderna and a definitely longer lasting more robust immunity with Moderna. The booster shots are also different, with Pfizer booster same dose as primary series, Moderna 1/2 original series, so 5/3 times the Pfizer booster dose (so still a bit more mRNA in the Moderna booster than tha Pfizer booster.)
I still am surprised Pfizer hasn’t adjusted their primary series to either give more in each dose and/or change the interval to match Moderna, or at least run some trials.
question
@cwbullet . I know the mRNA codes for the spike protein and apparently also includes an adjuvant which makes it more immunogenic.
1. how hard is it to just MAKE the spike protein and inject it directly, instead of mRNA literally playing the middle man? Can’t we just stick the DNA gene in some E. coli and brew up and purify a bunch of spike protein?
2. Is the adjuvent ALSO generated by mRNA, or is it a separate part of the injection?