What mRNA means for Covid-19 vaccines

Note: XREF to this site:

Q: What is mRNA in a nutshell?

A: Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines—are some of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for cells to make a harmless piece of the so-called “spike protein”, which the virus uses to enter cells in the body. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them. The immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins making antibodies to protect against future infection. People who get vaccinated gain this protection without having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

Q: What does mRNA stand for?

A: Messenger RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid)

Q: How do vaccines typically work?

A: Place a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies.

Q: What does mRNA do that’s different, for Covid-19?

A: They teach our cells (give instructions for) how to make a harmless piece of a protein (called a “spike protein”).  You’ve seen the spike protein on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.  This protein then triggers an immune response inside our bodies.  That immune response, which produces antibodies, protects us from getting infected if the actual virus enters.  One the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.

Q: What happens with the cell that now has that spike protein attached?

A: Our immune system detects that it doesn’t belong and begins to respond with antibodies.  Now, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infections.  Of course, the benefit is that vaccinated people gain the protection would having to risk the consequences of getting sick with Covid-19.

Q: How long has mRNA vaccine R&D been around and what are the benefits?

A: This method has been around for decades.  Because it is lab-controlled, it’s easier to standardize, test and scale-up.  All they need is that actual signature markers and information that makes up the virus.  Another benefit is that within one dose (shot) you can be treated for multiple things.

Q: If I get the vaccine, can I then “give” Covid-19 to someone?

A: No.  The mRNA vaccine that does not use the live virus that causes Covid-19.

Q: Can this vaccine affect my DNA (genetics)?

A: No.  The mRNA is not entering the nucleus of the cell, which is our genetic material is kept for DNA.  As stated above, the cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA soon after is it’s finished using the instructions.

Additional Reference:

-Siobhan is a MD and YouTuber who gave a really informative overview here

-Siobhan then about a year later explained about the vaccine.

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