Did you know that the goal of mRNA vaccines is to trigger an immune response within the body?
Unlike many other vaccines, these types don’t inject a weakened germ into the body. The vaccine, instead, teaches the body how to make antibodies with proteins.
If you want to learn about mRNA vaccine technology, there are a few basics to cover.
Continue reading to discover what to expect when you receive one and about how does the mRNA vaccine work!
What Is the mRNA Vaccine?
The messenger RNA is responsible for producing proteins and protecting the body.
Unlike other vaccinations, mRNA doesn’t introduce your body to a weakened bacteria or virus for exposure. They don’t contain any trace of the COVID strains or other illnesses. These vaccines use messages to rewire your body’s response to foreign bacteria.
The proteins created once mRNA gets into your body will design a blueprint for the rest of your cells. An influential man, Dr. Kenneth Chien has contributed to proving that mRNA vaccines provide therapy and relief.
What to Expect
When you get your mRNA vaccines, they will get administered in the upper arm.
Many people recommend wearing a shirt with loose sleeves so that the healthcare professional can reach the correct area. They can also be given in the upper thigh of an individual, depending on their age.
The needle is much thinner when compared to one for a flu shot. It’s common for people to not even notice when they are getting the shot. You’ll have to wait at the clinic for about 15 minutes before leaving to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
It’s common for the area of the shot to get bruised and be sensitive for a few days. Some pain is normal and is relieved after about 2 days. If the area of the shot is swelling or turning red, however, you’ll need to seek medical care immediately.
mRNA Enters the Body
If you’re wondering how does the mRNA vaccine work, it starts in the muscles.
The mRNA enters the muscles and produces spike proteins. These are harmless proteins, which are also found in the virus that causes COVID. Spike proteins can attach to cells and mimic the process of breaking down COVID.
Once your cells are done using the mRNA-created proteins, your body will get rid of the rest as waste. It’s important to note that no part of your DNA will be lost or altered when you get an mRNA vaccine. The protein from these vaccines never enters the nucleus of cells, which is why your DNA remains the same.
Immune System Kicks Into Action
Since the proteins attach to a virus’s outer membrane, it’s easy for your immune system to recognize the bacteria.
Antibodies, which are another type of protein, get created when the immune system kicks into gear. These antibodies can recognize viruses and pathogens and attach them to the correct ones. After they attach to the viruses, they begin to destroy them.
This process takes time, but it should ultimately get rid of the entire pathogen you were exposed to. Even if you’re never exposed to COVID, the antibodies in your system will work once when they need to. You don’t have to already have the illness before getting vaccinated.
Responses Improve
Each time your body gets exposed to a pathogen when you’re vaccinated, the quicker it becomes to overcome it.
Antibodies can quickly identify illnesses such as COVID after their body has already been exposed to them. The quicker that you can identify these cells, the faster it is to destroy them without getting sick.
In the past, responses have also improved with mRNA vaccines, but with other illnesses. Flu, rabies, and Zika have all been treated with similar vaccines and the data from these studies contributed to the latest shot.
You’ll Need More Than One
Unfortunately, it takes time to research and develop effective vaccines. This is why certain strains are causing breakthrough cases.
Since technology and data are always changing, you’ll likely need to get more than one shot. After you get your first set of COVID shots, for example, you’ll want the additional boosters. These boosters help prevent the newer strains of COVID that are circulating in the community.
For the mRNA vaccine technology to be effective, you must wait for the specified durations between shots and get the proper dose. Some companies are currently creating a vaccine that helps protect against the newest strains of COVID and also the flu!
How Does the mRNA Vaccine Work With Children?
Now that the mRNA vaccine has been approved for children as young as 6 months, you might be wondering about its effects.
Vaccinating children against COVID can protect them in the long run and lessen the severity of their symptoms. Some parents are holding off on getting their kids vaccinated since it isn’t spread amongst children as often. If you want to be safe, however, the shot is your best bet.
There is a new vaccine that will be getting released by the end of the year for children. It will be more effective against the latest COVID strains and can even defend against the flu.
Will You Get Vaccinated?
When you don’t understand how does the mRNA vaccine work, you might be tempted to pass on the shots.
These vaccines, unlike others, don’t introduce your body to harmful bacteria from COVID strains. Instead, they create proteins that act as a messenger and teach your body how to respond to bacteria it’s never encountered. This is a good way of treating and preventing illness, and many scientists are researching future opportunities for them.
Don’t be afraid to get the shot, just be prepared for a sore arm and small bruise. The benefits are worth it, especially if a small shot can keep you out of the hospital.
If you want to learn more about vaccine technology and how to be healthy, read our blog for the latest content!