These are some of the technology and components that you should know about some COVID-19 vaccines that are already in the last stage of the human clinical trial. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Laboratory
(Photo : Paul Ellis - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L), wearing a hair net and face covering reacts as he views the last minute quality testing of the 'fill and finish' stage of the manufacturing process of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are ow the topmost priorities of different governments across the globe. In fact, some of them have already signed a contract after the promising results during the early stage of COVID-19 vaccines human clinical trial. 

Everyone must know how these vaccines were developed. According to NPR, almost half of Americans are doubtful about the vaccine.

This just proves that everyone must be educated about how these COVID-19 vaccines work. 

How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

There are at least two COVID-19 vaccines that will possibly be produced this year, one will be in early January next year, and another one in the early months of 2021. These vaccines were developed using different technologies. 

According to CNN News, here are some important things that you should know about the candidate vaccines:

Pfizer and BioNTech

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech used a new approach and technology in producing their vaccine. The technology is called messenger RNA or mRNA. This approach was used during a similar pandemic years ago because it lends quick turnaround. 

Researchers from Pfizer and BioNTech used the genetic sequence of the virus. They used a little piece of genetic material coding for a piece of the spike protein, the structure that adorns the surface of COVID-19.

However, mRNA is very fragile which means Pfizer and BioNTech need to have suitable storage. These COVID-19 vaccines must be kept at ultracold temperatures of about minus 100 degrees F. This means that they need special equipment to store and transport COVID-19 vaccines. 

Read also: CDC Advisers to Decide Next Week on Who Gets COVID-19 Vaccine First 

Moderna

Moderna is also using the same technology as Pfizer and BioNTech. According to its website, "mRNA is like software for the cell."

Additionally, Moderna has almost the same approach as Pfizer and BioNTech in developing its vaccine. However, Moderna was able to come up with a better way of storing and transporting the vaccine.

Its vaccine can be shipped at minus 20 degrees C and can be kept stable for 30 days at 2 degrees to 8 degrees C. A temperature that is the same as with a home refrigerator.

AstraZeneca 

AstraZeneca's vaccine is also called a vector vaccine. It uses a common cold virus called an adenovirus to carry the spike protein from the coronavirus into cells.

Through this, a person's body can produce his or her own vaccine by churning out little copies of the spike protein. 

Moreover, the vaccine can be kept for six months at standard refrigerator temperatures, according to the company developer. 

Johnson & Johnson's vaccine

Just like AstraZeneca, it uses an adenovirus but this does not infect humans. They used a genetically engineered version of adenovirus 26.

This vaccine has been tested before during the Ebola outbreak. In fact, the European Commission gave the company authorization in July. 

It's supposed to be a one-shot vaccine but researchers found out that a two-dose provides better protection against the virus. 

Read also: Manufacturing Error in AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Raises Questions About Safety