More on the virus

Pfziers vaccine needs to be kept at -75c. There is no current large scale supply chain that can deal with this. Highly unfeasible.

Same Temp required for the Moderna Vaccine..No way that this will serve most of the world..Very, Very few locales in the US or Canada can handle that required temperature. Interesting that those important details are left out of the news media..

While we are waiting for the vaccine here is a reminder:

FROM JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL:   This is excellent info on the covid-19

This virus is not a living organism. It is a protein molecule (RNA or DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular (eyes), nasal (nose) or buccal mucosa (mouth), changes their genetic code (mutates) and converts into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism, but is a protein molecule, it cannot be killed.  It has to decay on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat and that is the reason why soap or detergent is the best weapon.  The foam CUTS THE FAT (that is why you have to scrub for 20 seconds or more, to create lots of foam).  By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is necessary to use water above 77 degrees for hand washing, laundry and cleaning surfaces. In addition, hot water makes more foam, making it more effective.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ALL FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any solution with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaking it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water increases the effectiveness of soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein.  However, because you have to use it in its pure form, it can damage your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC WILL WORK because the virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* The virus molecules remain very stable at colder temperatures, including air conditioning in houses and cars.  They also need moisture and darkness to stay stable. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade the virus faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain the virus breaks down the protein.  Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is only 40% alcohol, and you need a minimum of 65%.

* LISTERINE  is 65% alcohol.

* The more confined the space, the higher the concentration of the virus there can be.  The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching any commonly used surfaces such as : mucosa (mouth area) , food, locks, knobs, switches, remotes, cell phones, watches, computers, desks etc. and don’t forget when you use the bathroom.

* You have to MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS due to frequent washing.  Dry hands have cracks and the molecules can hide in the micro cracks The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

They both require extremely cold storage but it looks like the Moderna can last longer once unthawed.

The lower temp requirements of Pfizer's would require vast investments by governments at all levels to ensure the safety of the vaccine. This might mean installation of new freezers for every one that now exists, in hospitals large and practices small; the rental of huge fleets of retrofitted reefer trucks and train cars; and god only knows what else. Which in turn means sourcing these things, which in turn means contracts to build them and deliver them... which means the Moderna vaccine immediately has a multitude of advantages. Consider countries below the equator that already lack a proper infrastructure for distribution, with political disadvantages, and so on. Distribution as a part of Biden's transition team takes on a whole new meaning.

ferret wrote:

CanuckBob wrote:They both require extremely cold storage but it looks like the Moderna can last longer once unthawed.

There is quite a difference CBob. Moderna's vaccine does not require a special type of freezer and, once thawed, it does last a lot longer.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/moderna-s-coronavirus-vaccine-is-94-5-effective-according-to-company-data/ar-BB1b3rbX

Practical advantages of Moderna's vaccine

While the two vaccines appear to have very similar safety and efficacy profiles, Moderna's vaccine has a significant practical advantage over Pfizer's.

Pfizer's vaccine has to be kept at minus 75 degrees Celsius. No other vaccine in the US needs to be kept that cold, and doctors' offices and pharmacies do not have freezers that go that low.

Moderna's vaccine can be kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius. Other vaccines, such as the one against chickenpox, need to be kept at that temperature.

That means Moderna's vaccine can be kept in "a readily available freezer that is available in most doctors' offices and pharmacies," Zacks said. "We leverage infrastructure that already exists for other marketed vaccines."

Another advantage of Moderna's vaccine is that it can be kept for 30 days in the refrigerator, the company announced Monday. Pfizer's vaccine can last only five days in the refrigerator.

Yes this is new information. Last week they said the two had similar storage requirements around -90f.