What is an mRNA vaccine?
mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that works by using a small piece of genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) to teach the body's immune system how to recognize.
Fight a specific virus, such as the virus that causes COVID-19.
The mRNA in the vaccine contains the genetic instructions to make a piece of the virus called the spike protein, which is found on the surface of the virus.
Once the vaccine is injected into the body, the mRNA enters cells & instructs them to make copies of the spike protein.
The spike protein is harmless on its own, but the immune system recognizes it as foreign and mounts a response to destroy it.
This response includes the production of antibodies, which are specialized proteins that can recognize and neutralize the virus if the person is exposed to it in the future.
The mRNA in the vaccine is quickly broken down by the body after it has been used to make copies of the spike protein.
It does not enter the cell's nucleus, which contains the cell's DNA, & does not affect a person's genetic material.
The mRNA vaccine requires two doses given several weeks apart to achieve maximum effectiveness.
The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech & Moderna vaccines, have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 & its severe complications.
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