Find out how the COVID-19 vaccines were developed, and what the data tells us and how the vaccines are monitored.
Last updated: 18 January 2022
On this page:
- How the COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly
- What the clinical trials assessed
- Participants in the clinical trials
- Ongoing clinical trials
- Real-world data
How the COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly
There’s never been this level of global collaboration amongst scientists and governments in vaccine development. This has improved the speed of its development and the launch of clinical trials around the world.
Researchers were able to use their knowledge of other coronaviruses and vaccine development to give them a head start.
Clinical trials were also able to recruit large numbers of volunteers faster than usual because of the worldwide interest and concern about COVID-19. Some clinical trials could be done at the same time instead of one after the other. This meant they could quickly determine whether the vaccine was effective in a short amount of time – under normal circumstance this could take many months or even years.
Large manufacturing plants have been developed, so vaccines can be produced faster and on a larger scale than was previously possible.
The vaccines have been developed very quickly but without taking any shortcuts in the necessary processes or compromising safety.
What the clinical trials assessed
Clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) has been assessed in global studies across three phases.
- Phase one and two assessed the safety and immunogenicity (the immune response after each dose) of different dose levels of the vaccine in a small population.
- Phases two and three assessed the safety and efficacy of the vaccine against symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses of the chosen level, given 21 days apart, in a larger population.
In addition, early findings from a small number of well-designed studies, show that an extended gap of 6 weeks or more between doses of the Pfizer vaccine gives at least an equally robust immune response.
Clinical trials in young people
Participants in the clinical trials
Across the clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) was studied on about 44,000 participants. Half of these people received the vaccine and half received a saline placebo.
Participants had a range of different ethnicities, ages, sexes and underlying health conditions.
Ongoing clinical trials
Ongoing clinical trials, safety monitoring, and real-world data from COVID-19 vaccination programmes worldwide provide us with useful information. This includes the long-term safety and benefits of the vaccine.
Monitoring clinical trial participants
To understand the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccine, participants in the clinical trials are tracked for at least two years from their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Participants will:
- have their health monitored
- attend regular follow-up visits.
This is closely observed by Pfizer/BioNTech and an independent group of experts called the Independent Data Monitoring Committee. They decide if a clinical trial can continue.
Reviewing new data and evidence
Regulatory authorities, like Medsafe, have procedures to closely review all new data and will update their recommendations as this becomes available.
Real-world data
We’re continually reviewing new data as it’s being reported.
Medsafe is closely monitoring real-world data from the vaccination programmes across the world, in particular on the safety of the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty). This will add to the clinical data we receive from Pfizer/BioNTech. This includes:
- the overall safety profile of the vaccine
- any reported reactions (the frequency, the severity, and any previously unknown reactions)
- the effectiveness of the vaccine overall and in certain groups.
A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose administered at least 6 months after completion of the two-dose primary series to those aged 18 years and above has been demonstrated to boost the immune response and is expected to increase protection against infection and disease, as well as reduce transmission, particularly in older people.
Reported side effects (adverse events) after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine – Medsafe
COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring process – Medsafe
How many people have had the Pfizer vaccine
The number of people receiving this vaccine continues to grow significantly every day. For up-to-date numbers visit the Our World in Data website.
Worldwide statistics and research on COVID-19 vaccinations – Our World in Data
How many people have been vaccinated in New Zealand
See the data and statistics about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in New Zealand.