Both vaccines are given in a series of two injections. The first is a priming dose that prepares the immune system. The second is a booster shot that strengthens the body's immune response. Pfizer's vaccine requires the two doses to be given 21 days apart, while Spikevax's doses are delivered 28 days apart.
Both of the mRNA vaccines available in the US are highly effective against severe COVID-19, but recent studies suggest that Moderna's elicits a stronger immune response and might be better at preventing breakthrough infections.