How Do COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Work?

What is an mRNA vaccine? How is it different from more traditional vaccines?

An mRNA vaccine differs from traditional vaccines by instead injecting a person with a small piece of genetic material that prompts their body to create an immune response. More specifically, mRNA vaccines carry instructions for making a specific protein that triggers an immune response. By doing so, mRNA vaccines teach your body how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside your body, which in turn teaches your body to build up protection against getting infected with the infectious agent that causes COVID-19.

How does an mRNA vaccine work specifically for COVID-19?

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work by using messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce the spike protein, which is found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. When a person receives an mRNA vaccine, the mRNA is taken up by cells in their body. The cells then use the mRNA as a template to produce the spike protein. The spike protein is then recognized by the body's immune system, which produces antibodies and T cells that can protect the person from getting sick from COVID-19.

What are some of the benefits and risks associated with mRNA vaccines for COVID-19?

Some benefits and risks associated with mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 include:

Benefits:

* mRNA vaccines can be developed and produced quickly, making them a potentially rapid response to a pandemic.

* mRNA vaccines are not infectious and do not contain any live virus, making them safer than traditional vaccines for some people.

* mRNA vaccines can be modified to target specific strains or variants of a virus, making them potentially more effective against new strains.

Risks:

* mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine and the long-term effects are not yet known.

* mRNA vaccines can cause side effects such as fever, chills, muscle pain, and headache.

* mRNA vaccines may not be as effective in people with weakened immune systems.

* mRNA vaccines can theoretically be used to carry harmful genetic instructions, theoretically opening the door to nefarious uses.

How effective are mRNA vaccines against COVID-19?

The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are highly effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. In clinical trials, the mRNA vaccines were found to be 95% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. The vaccines are also effective against severe COVID-19 and death.

Who should get vaccinated for COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine?

Everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19 should get vaccinated, including people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Where can I get an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19?

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are available at many locations, including doctor's offices, pharmacies, and community health centers. You can find a location near you by visiting the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine finder.

How much does an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 cost?

The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are free for everyone in the United States.