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What is the difference between mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) vaccines and adenovirus (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines?

Many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies to trigger an immune response, but the current COVID-19 vaccines work a little different. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected or seriously ill if the real virus enters our bodies.

mRNA vaccines

Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines. mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid.

View How mRNA vaccines work online

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions to our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein” which is the same protein found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Next, our cells display this protein piece on its surface, similar to how the COVID-19 virus would. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in an actual COVID-19 infection.

After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the ‘instructions’ from the vaccine. At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against any future COVID-19 infection.

The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is that those who are vaccinated gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

Adenovirus vaccines

Johnson & Johnson is an adenovirus vaccine. Currently, there are no adenovirus vaccines available for anyone under 18 years of age.

View How Adenovirus-based vaccines work online

In an Adenovirus-based vaccine, scientists take part of the SARSCoV-2 virus’s code (its DNA) and add it to a modified adenovirus (a virus that can cause the common cold).

This teaches your immune systems to learn to recognize and fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus without causing you to be infected.

The vaccine will not give you the COVID-19 virus or cause you to be infectious to others

Sources:
University of Michigan: The Top 5 COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates Explained
CDC: Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC: Different COVID-19 Vaccines
MDHHS: How mRNA vaccines work
MDHHS: How Adenovirus-based vaccines work

Recommended Immunization Schedules

These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.

From birth through 6 years
From 7 through 18 years
For adults (19 years or older)
Catch up schedule
Building Blocks for MI Immunity from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
Make sure your child is immunized on schedule. For a complete list of recommended immunizations, just select your child’s birth date.
From the CDC

Immunization Tracker
This print-friendly chart helps you track your child’s vaccinations at each appointment.
From the CDC

Michigan School & childcare Immunization Requirements

Request your child’s immunization record

The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), is an immunization registry managed by MDHHS and reported to by immunization providers. MCIR allows healthcare providers or individuals to access their immunization records regardless of their location in Michigan. This system also helps to track local and state immunization rates of Michigan residents to ensure immunity to vaccine-preventable illnesses. MCIR is a lifespan registry that includes infant through adult records.

Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from your doctor’s office or your local health department
Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from MDHHS department

For your appointment

Before, during, and after pregnancy protection
When you’re pregnant, you share everything with your baby. That means when you get vaccines, you aren’t just protecting yourself — you are giving your baby some early protection, too. The CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you and your baby need before, during, and after pregnancy.
From the CDC

Get prepared: Before, during, and after your child’s appointment
There are things you can do before, during and after your child’s appointment to make them easier and less stressful for both of you.
From the CDC

Mobile app from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created a free mobile app called Vaccines on the Go: What You Should Know so you can access credible, science-based information from wherever and whenever you need it.

Find your local Michigan public health department or immunization clinic
See the directory of Michigan’s 45 local public health departments for more information on your child’s immunization record and where to get them vaccinated.

Other Vaccination Organizations & Advocates

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines to parents and healthcare professionals.

Shot by Shot
Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases is a collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases.

Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.

Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.

Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
PKIDs’ mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases, the methods of prevention and transmission, the latest advances in medicine, and the elimination of social stigma borne by the infected; and to assist the families of the children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic, viral infectious diseases with emotional, financial and informational support.

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MDHHS urges families to get children caught up on vaccines in recognition of National Infant Immunization Week

Fakhoury: Ensure kids are vaccinated according to CDC schedule

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What is the difference between mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) vaccines and adenovirus (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines?

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