The new vaccine works a little differently compared to the other two from Pfizer and Moderna.
According to the Johnson & Johnson website, the Jenssen vaccine is a “non-replicating viral vector vaccine” that uses a common cold virus called adenovirus 26, which enters cells and contributes to creating pieces of coronavirus’ spike protein. However, it’s important to note that these pieces are not able to replicate, therefore, you won’t get infected with the coronavirus.
This method forces the immune system to react to the detected threat and prepare it for the real confrontation with the virus. According to William Schaffner, MD, an internist and infectious disease specialist with Vanderbilt University’s Department of Health Policy, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine won’t infect you with the virus when you get inoculated. Instead, the vaccine has a few pieces of COVID spike protein on its surface, but those pieces are harmless and cannot make you sick.
“Essentially it’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing, and when your immune system sees it, it responds to it and creates protection against it and in the future, against the real virus that causes COVID-19,” he added.
Make sure to also check: You’re More At Risk For Contracting COVID If You Have This Condition, Research Says.
