How mRNA vaccines work

How mRNA vaccines work

Messenger RNA vaccines,

also called mRNA vaccines,

are some of the first COVID-19 vaccines

to be developed.

According to health experts,

these vaccines use

the virus’ genetic material

instead of using weakened forms of the virus.

Similar to other types of vaccines,

mRNA vaccines undergo

trials and testing

involving thousands of volunteers

before being approved.

mRNA vaccines use genetic material to trigger the body's immune system All new vaccines are tested to ensure they are safe and effective before approval Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines use this technology The Pfizer candidate is an mRNA vaccine, as is Moderna's, which works by getting a patient's cells to produce spikes like on the coronavirus, so the immune system responds with antibodies. The jab is known as a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. Conventional vaccines are produced using weakened forms of the virus, but mRNAs use only the virus’s genetic code

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the 'spike protein.' The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the muscle cells, the cells use them to make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them. All vaccines undergo rigorous testing and have oversight from experienced regulators + Some believe mRNA vaccines are safer for the patient over 70,000 doses of these COVID-19 RNA vaccines have been given to people now, and the independent safety boards (not controlled by the companies) have reported no problems A key factor in the delivery of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine: It must be shipped at extremely cold temperatures The reason for the cold temperature is to stabilize the messenger RNA so it maintains its structural integrity and then can do its job in your body. This is a well-described but surmountable logistical challenge Claims that a Covid-19 candidate vaccine, which has to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, is too cold to be a vaccine, as it is actually alive, are wrong.