Human vaccines: 0,001 human work, 99,999 mRNA & Immune system 

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Human vaccines: 0,001 human work, 99.999 mRNA & Immune system"

Sophia Xu
Updated: March. 15, 2024


What Is mRNA?

You can think of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a smart robot that encodes a sequence capable of being translated into a protein. Scientists have been studying mRNA for decades, and it plays a crucial role in the development of the earliest COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. 

Yeah, even if COVID was like a million years ago, it's still a fun thing to learn about. Right? I dunno, I'm not in trend this year.

How Does an mRNA Vaccine Work?

  1. Introducing the Instructions: When you receive an mRNA vaccine, it injects your cells with synthetic mRNA that encodes a specific viral protein. In the case of COVID-19, this protein is the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  2. Cellular Translation: The injected mRNA acts as a cellular messenger, transferring the genetic information outside the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm. There, ribosomes translate this information into amino acids, which then fold into complete proteins.
  3. Immune Response: Your cells produce the viral spike protein, which triggers an immune response. Antibodies and other immune cells recognize these spike proteins and prepare to defend against the virus.
  4. Protection: If you later encounter the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus, your immune system recognizes it and mounts a defense, preventing infection or reducing its severity.

The vaccine doesn't do "that" much. It's mostly your immune system working their buts off to keep you alive. So be appreciative and learn about them

How Are mRNA Vaccines Different from Traditional Vaccines?

  • Traditional Vaccines: These vaccines typically contain viral proteins or weakened viruses. Even if the virus is weakened it could still kill you. T.ex smallpox (Variola) killed about 300 million people just in the 20th century. We had vaccines already in the 1700-1800th century! But the vaccines only killed one 1-2 in a million. 
  • mRNA Vaccines: Instead of containing viral material, mRNA vaccines provide instructions for your cells to produce a specific viral protein (like the spike protein). They do not alter your DNA.

Safety and Effectiveness

  • Safety: mRNA vaccines are safe and cannot alter your DNA. The synthetic mRNA behaves like any other mRNA your cells produce.
  • Effectiveness: The FDA approves mRNA vaccines after rigorous clinical trial review to confirm their safety and efficacy.

Remember: No Risk of DNA Alteration

  • The mRNA in the vaccine cannot change your DNA. It degrades quickly and leaves no permanent trace.
  • You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

In summary, mRNA vaccines represent a groundbreaking approach to immunization, leveraging decades of scientific research. They empower our immune system to recognize and fight the virus, offering hope in the battle against COVID-19.

For more information, visit the National Human Genome Research Institute’s Fact Sheet.

Remember, vaccination is a collective effort to protect ourselves and our communities. Stay informed, stay safe! And do something for your hardworking immune system!

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