COVID-19 Vaccine Facts by OASIS Laboratory Barbados by Oasis Laboratory

October 2021

FACTS: COVID-19

A quick guide to COVID-19 Facts

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MESSAGE FROM CO-FOUNDER

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I trust science and the scientiﬁc process. Science is life! I got vaccinated against COVID-19 to lead by example. To protect the vulnerable folks around me and equally, to encourge them to do the same. Our country is depending on each of us to play our part in the battle. The longer we prolong vaccination, the greater and longer the negative eﬀects of COVID-19 - mentally, emotionally, socially and economically and potentially more unnessary deaths. Get Vaccinated!

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Kemar KJ Codrington Chemist | Managing Partner

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What?

COVID-19 VACCINES

Why? Where? Who?

When?

How?

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WHAT: VACCINES A preparation (solution/mixture) that is used to stimulate the body’s speciﬁc immune response against diseases. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but some can be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose. The COVID-19 vaccines are all intramuscular injections.

Adapted from the US CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Understanding Vaccines.

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WHY: VACCINES It has been proven that vaccines can prevent the negative effects of diseases that can be dangerous, or even deadly. Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of infection/sickness by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) authorized COVID-19 vaccines are no different. Immunity to a disease is achieved through the presence of antibodies to that disease in a person’s system. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-carrying organisms. Antibodies are disease-specific. Active Immunity results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to that disease. Active immunity can be acquired through natural immunity or vaccine-induced immunity. Natural immunity is acquired from exposure to the disease organism through infection with the actual disease; while vaccine-induced immunity is acquired through the introduction of a killed or weakened form of the disease organism through vaccination. Either way, if an immune person comes into contact with that disease in the future, their immune system will recognize it and immediately produce the antibodies needed to fight it. Active immunity is long-lasting, and sometimes life-long. Adapted from the US CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Understanding Vaccines. Adapted from the US CDC, Immunity Types [https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm]

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WHERE: VACCINES The three vaccines available in Barbados were developed by the following: Pﬁzer - BioNTech Pﬁzer Inc., American Biomedical and Pharmaceutial Company and BioNTech SE, German biotechnology company USA & Germany

Oxford - AstraZeneca University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, British-Swedish Pharmaceutial company England

Sinopharm Beijing Biological Products Institute, a unit of Sinopharm subsidiary China National Biotec Group (CNBG) China

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WHO: VACCINES The World Health Organization authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older (Pﬁzer 12 years and older), including those with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders. These conditions include: hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled. Discuss your situation with your care provider if you: Have a compromised immune system Are pregnant (if you are already breastfeeding, you should continue after vaccination) Have a history of severe allergies, particularly to a vaccine (or any of the ingredients in the vaccine) Are severely frail

Adapted from the World Health Organization. COVID-19 advice for the public: Getting vaccinated

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WHEN: VACCINES While it may appear that COVID-19 vaccines have been developed very quickly, they have been developed without compromising quality, safety and eﬀectiveness. Scientist and researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID-19 vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic. They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between themselves, governments, NGOs, manufacturers and distributors. The development and implementation planning phases have been run siimultaneously, instead of one after the other. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding. Equally, research into how the world should respond to a pandemic has been occurring long before COVID-19. Pandemic mitigation plans have been highlighted especially after the Ebola outbreak on the african continent. This coupled with research that looked at data from previous coronaviruses outbreaks such as SARS in 2002 and MERS in 2012, giving researchers a head start when it comes to building the COVID-19 vaccines.

Adapted from the World Health Organization. COVID-19 advice for the public: Getting vaccinated

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HOW: VACCINES Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection. This type of simulated infection, however, almost never causes illness, but it does cause the immune system to produce lymphocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies against the proteins expressed on the surfaces of viruses. Sometimes, after getting a vaccine, the imitation infection can cause minor symptoms, such as fever (which is your body trying to heat up to destroy an infection). Such minor symptoms are normal and should be expected as the body builds immunity. Once the imitation infection goes away, the body is left with a supply of “memory” T-lymphocytes, as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to ﬁght that disease in the future. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Therefore, it is possible that a person infected with a disease just before or just after vaccination could develop symptoms and get a disease, because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

Adapted from the US CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Understanding Vaccines.

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HOW: VACCINES

Schematic diagram of how the vaccines work.

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Ingredients in the Pﬁzer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Component

Role

Known potential allergen

Nucleoside-modiﬁed mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Active ingredient: Genetic code that provides the blueprint for our body’s cells to make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the cytoplasm, which is then displayed on the cell surface and elicits an immune response

ALC-0159 = 2[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetrade cylacetamide

Forms a protective layer that stabilizes the nanoparticle, improves storage stability and reduces non-speciﬁc binding to proteins

Yes – Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be an allergen

1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3phosphocholine (DSPC)

Part of the double layer of lipids (lipid bilayer) that forms the nanoparticle

Main ingredient in the lipid-nanoparticle that delivers the mRNA into the cell. Cationic (positively charged) lipid that during the ALC-0315 = (4-hydroxybutyl) manufacturing process, promotes the nanoparticle azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl to assemble into a virus size particle with the ) bis(2-hexyldecanoate) negatively charged mRNA in the middle, and facilitates mRNA release from the nanoparticle once inside the cell. Provides structural support for the lipid bilayer of the nanoparticle and supports mobility of lipid Cholesterol components

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sodium chloride

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Dibasic sodium phosphate dehydrate

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sucrose

Sugar to protect and stabilize the vaccine during freezing and prevent the particles from sticking together

Normal saline (provided separately from the vaccine)

Water and salt solution added as the diluent to the vaccine

Potassium chloride

Monobasic potassium phosphate

Notes: Does not contain latex in the stopper

Ingredients in the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Component

Role

Known potential allergen

Modiﬁed adenovirus (ChAdOx1) containing spike protein genetic code

Active ingredient: • Adenovirus that has been genetically modiﬁed to not replicate and to carry the gene for the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus • Delivers genetic code of the spike protein to the nucleus of the body’s cell where mRNA is made and transported to the cytoplasm of the body’s cell where the spike protein is then made, displayed on the cell surface and elicits an immune response

L-Histidine

Buﬀering agent- pH (acidity) control and stability during storage

L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate

Part of the double layer of lipids (lipid bilayer) that forms the nanoparticle

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

Stabilizer – protects the vaccine from adverse conditions (electrostatic interactions)

Polysorbate 80

Surfactant- stabilizes the adenovirus by reducing virus sticking to surfaces and minimizing interactions where the liquid vaccine comes into contact with air

Yes – polysorbate 80 can be a very rare cause of allergic reactions

Ethanol

Stabilizer- protects the vaccine from adverse conditions (prevents free-radical induced oxidation of the adenovirus)

Cryo-protectant- stabilizes the adenovirus during freezing and thawing, enhances the adenovirus’ ability to withstand temperature changes, and acts as a tonicity agent

Sodium chloride

Cryo-protectant- stabilizes the adenovirus during freezing and thawing and acts as a tonicity agent

Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA)

Stabilizer- protects the vaccine from adverse conditions (prevents free-radical induced oxidation of the adenovirus)

Liquid in the vaccine vial as the diluent to the vaccine

Sucrose

Water Notes: Does not contain latex in the stopper

Ingredients in the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine Component Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 antigen

Role

Known potential allergen

Aluminium hydroxide

An adjuvant boosts the immune response to the vaccine. The quantities of aluminium present in vaccines are low and are regulated

Disodium hydrogen phosphate

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sodium dihydrogen phosphate

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sodium chloride

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sodium Hydroxide

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

Sodium Bicarbonate

Salt that forms a buﬀer to balance the pH (acidity) of the vaccine

M199

Basic liquid nutrients medium. Contains amino acids, (building blocks of proteins), minerals salts and vitamins

Notes: Unable to verify the absence of latex in the stopper, however it is the new standard to use latex- free stopper.

WHY: BOOSTERS Booster shots are just another dose of a vaccine you received. This concept is to prolong protective immunity, particularly if there is evidence that protection is waning after a period of time. Most children receive routine vaccinations, including boosters, for illnesses such as chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, and rubella—to name a few. These vaccine series, as we call them, are recommended because you need the extra doses to get longer lasting protective immunity. A booster shot is recommended due to concern that the eﬀectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time and may not protect against a new strain, such as Delta. A booster maybe given to older people or those with chronic medical conditions or other risk factors. While a booster sometimes is an exact replica of the initial vaccine, it can also be tweaked. With COVID-19, this is key because the vaccine could then be tailored to target particular variants of the virus. Booster shots in Barbados are under consideration by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Adapted from the Yale medicine, Will You Need a COVID-19 Booster? What We Know So Far?

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MESSAGE FROM CO-FOUNDER

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I decided to get vaccinated to protect myself, my loved ones and by extension, my ailing country. While it is your choice to be vaccinated or not, it is also a public health crisis and we all must play our part in this ﬁght to defeat COVID-19.

Mikhail TA Eversley Chemist | Co Founder

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I wanted to reduce the likelihood of catching COVID and increase my odds of survival. Do you personally know anyone who has died from any of the COVID vaccines? I don't, but I know many who are vaccinated and happy. Please trust evidence, not unveriﬁed stories. Roshawn Technical Analyst

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How to protect family members and others when you leave the house If you or someone in your household is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, then all family members should act as if they are at increased risk. Choose one or two family members who are not at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to do necessary errands. Consider following additional prevention measures, such as wearing a mask, keeping social distance, washing your hands often, and increasing ventilation, when at home around household members who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Here are some tips for these family members when they leave the house for errands: Keep these items with you when leaving the house: a mask, tissues and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around people who don’t live in your household. Masks should be washed if they get dirty or wet, or at least daily. It is important to always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

Keep social distance. Stay at least 2 meters or 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always remember to wash your hands immediately after returning to your house.

Adapted from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Home

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Cont’d Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces in public areas, such as elevator buttons and handrails. Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) or mask until you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. If you use public transportation, follow these tips: » Wear a mask. » Maintain at least 2 meters or 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) of distance from other passengers as much as possible. » Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, such as handrails, as much as possible. » Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible after leaving public transportation. Don’t ride in a car with members of diﬀerent households. If you need to ride in a car with others, follow these tips: » Wear a mask. » Open windows or use car ventilation to bring in fresh air. » Avoid touching surfaces as much as possible. » Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle and spread out as much as possible. » Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after leaving the vehicle. Don’t have visitors unless they need to be in your home (e.g., home health nurse). If you do have visitors, before they enter your home, check yourself and others in your household for symptoms of COVID-19 and ask your visitors to do the same. Let your visitors know if you or anyone in your home has been exposed to COVID-19 or is sick with COVID-19. Do not allow any sick or exposed visitors to enter your home. Remember to stay at least 2 meters or 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) apart, wear a mask, and ask visitors to wear a mask before entering your home.

Adapted from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Home

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Initially, I was unsure about the COVID-19 vaccines. However, after discussions with my trusted friend who happened to be an actual scientist, it was easy to make the decison; not only for me, but also my circle of friends, family, clients and country. Tyran

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I chose to get the vaccine because of science. This isn’t the first pandemic we as humans have encountered. History tells us that vaccines work and are efficient to eradicating viruses and diseases. But we all have to do our part. Scientist that worked on developing the COVID-19 vaccines have spent their entire lives studying science and medicine. This isn’t like some random person whipped it up in their garage one day. So far, I’ve lived for 29 years and I trust the vaccines today more than I would the vaccines that were given to me in the 1990’s. Science and scientist have evolved so much to ensure the safety of vaccines are met at a higher standard in todays world. We have to remember that vaccines cannot work on eradicating this awful virus unless we all do our part. We all need to be vaccinated so we can finally put this Roy

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