Reference:
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 4). Understanding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html
Summary:
mRNA vaccines represent a novel approach to immunisation against infectious diseases, including COVID-19. They work by instructing cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus’s spike protein, eliciting an immune response without introducing the live virus. This process involves administering the vaccine into the upper arm, where muscle cells utilise the mRNA to generate the protein. Subsequently, the immune system identifies this protein as foreign, leading to the production of antibodies that confer protection against actual infection. Crucially, mRNA vaccines do not alter an individual’s DNA, as the mRNA is broken down and eliminated after use. Although mRNA vaccine technology is relatively new, researchers have explored its potential for other diseases for decades. The safety and efficacy of these vaccines have been rigorously evaluated, ensuring they meet stringent standards before approval for public use.