The two vaccines by Pfizer and AstraZeneca use different methods, but both appear effective. Pfizer is a little ahead of AstraZeneca in the approval process and is expected to be the first one available. However, there is a serious storage and transportation problem with Pfizer's vaccine. It must be stored at -70 C (-94 F). I believe this is beyond the capability of present refrigeration at most pharmacies. That depth of refrigeration is found only in special units in a some test labs. That equipment is not widely available. Special chests with compressors are needed to transport the vaccine over distances requiring significant time, and the refrigeration unit will need a continuous power source. Furthermore, there has been a strange lack of data about how long the vaccine remains viable once warmed to 35 to 40 F (kitchen refrigerator temperature). This stirs my suspicion that it is not a very long period. My view: Pfizer will be the first one deployed, and in the longer run AstraZeneca will win due to the storage demand of Pfizer's offering.

There is a different trial I am eligible for, for medication (not prevention) called bamlanivimab, should I become positive. Naturally I have to wait on that one (and I hope not to become eligible). But if I do, I might consider it, as I believe they will send infusion teams to one's home. In order for me to join a study, it has to be realistically manageable (not involve a lot of travel) and acceptable risk. The first study, above, for a vaccine just seems like too much risk (to me) if the expectations are that a placebo means remaining unprotected for up to two years. They do have to get their test subjects from somewhere, but I guess each of the eligible pool has to decide how much risk is acceptable, for the greater good, before participating.

"vaccine ... or gene therapy shot?pfizer and moderna is mRNA => gene therapy" Not exactly. No human genes are altered or replaced. Here's what I found: "mRNA, or messenger RNA, is genetic material that contains instructions for making proteins. mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 contain synthetic mRNA. Inside the body, the mRNA enters human cells and instructs them to produce the "spike" protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The body recognizes the spike protein as an invader, and produces antibodies against it. If the antibodies later encounter the actual virus, they are ready to recognize and destroy it before it causes illness." Also: "Could an mRNA vaccine change my DNA? An mRNA vaccine — the first COVID-19 vaccine to be granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA — cannot change your DNA." Both snippets from Harvard Health.

When I got my 1st dose on Friday, I was given information about the CDC's app for reporting side effects, called V-safe. As part of this, the CDC will contact you via the app to ask how you are, any problems, any illness. I hope that any of you who have had side effects (I had a rash the next day, that lasted about 16 hours) have downloaded it and are participating. This is how we can help to know just how effective the vaccines are as well as the issues people are having with them.