How are they different and how do COVID-19 vaccines work?

Five COVID-19 vaccines are currently registered in the EU: - two mRNA vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/106549/comirnaty-szczepionka-na-covid-19-mrna-pfizer-biontech-iniekcja https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/106690/spikevaxszczepionka-na-covid-19-mrna-covid-19-vaccine-moderna-iniekcja - two vector vaccines: Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Vaccine Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/106970/vaxzevria-szczepionka-na-covid-19-wektorowa-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-iniekc https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/107699/covid-19-vaccine-janssen-szczepionka-na-covid-19-wektorowa-johnsonjohnson-iniekc - one protein: Nuvaxovid (Novavax) https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/114194/nuvaxovid-szczepionka-na-covid-19-bialkowa-z-adiuwantem-iniekcja In vector vaccines against COVID-19, there is a non-virulent virus with built-in genetic information about the synthesis of coronavirus protein S (antigen). The modified virus acts as a vector, responsible for transporting the genetic fragment in the vaccine. In the case of mRNA vaccines, the antigen function is performed by a fragment of mRNA nucleic acid, which contains information about the synthesis of the S protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is no virus or its proteins in the vaccine, therefore, in the process of their production, there is no need to use cell lines, antibiotics or other substances added to culture mediums. Novavax protein vaccines, which are to be available in Poland in the second half of February 2022, are a classic protein vaccine (this technology has long been used m.in for the production of hepatitis vaccines). However, the nuvavax vaccine is more innovative - Compared to the protein preparations produced so far, the production of the S protein of the virus occurs by recombinant DNA in insect cells, and not as in the case of other protein vaccines, e.g. in yeast cells. Nuvaxovid contains protein S and matrix-M adjuvant. An adjuvant is a substance whose purpose is to accelerate and prolong the action of a vaccine. When this virus-like molecule is administered, the body's immune system recognizes it as a foreign protein and stimulates a reaction. More information on how COVID-19 vaccines work can be found here: https://www.gdziepolek.pl/kategorie/szczepionki-na-covid-19 How long it takes to produce immunity after taking the vaccine is written in detail here: https://www.gdziepolek.pl/blog/szczepionki-na-covid-19-po-ilu-dniach-od-szczepienia-jestesmy-odporni-na-koronawirusa