The COVID-19 vaccine is the first major use of an mRNA vaccine. The so-called ‘messenger’ RNA uses genetic material to create immunity. Healthcare experts hope explaining how it works will ease some people’s concerns.
A vaccine with messenger RNA triggers an immune response. Dr. Jennifer Hsu is an infectious disease physician at Sanford USD Medical Center.
“Essentially, this messenger from the vaccine is prompting our cells to present a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the spike protein that’s harmless to us, to our cells, so then our cells are prompted to make antibodies.”
The vaccine does not use fetal tissue or live coronavirus cells, but some people are still nervous about injecting genetic material into their bodies. Dr. Hsu says the mRNA dissolves once it’s done its job, and it doesn’t alter a person’s DNA.
“You can think of an email that gets deleted, a Snapchat message that gets deleted. It does not integrate into our genetic material in any way or linger in that cell long-term.”
There are some minor side effects like muscle aches or mild fever. Dr. Hsu says those reactions from the first dose shouldn’t discourage a person from getting the second dose of the vaccine.
“And actually it’s encouraging because those side effects arise from the fact that your immune system is mounting a good response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
Anyone concerned about the vaccine should talk with their primary care provider.
Dr. Shankar Kurra is Vice President of Medical Affairs at Monument Health. He says the vaccine is safe and effective.
“Remember, this is a great new technology. We’re even very fortunate to have an efficacy rate of 95%. The only other vaccine that was this good is the measles vaccine at 98% efficacy. This is a great vaccine. Take it.”
The general public probably won’t have access to the COVID-19 vaccine for a couple months. It’s going first to healthcare workers and long-term care residents.
