FAQs on mRNA Vaccines: A New Era in Immunization
1. How many mRNA Vaccines are there?There are currently no commercially available mRNA vaccines approved for widespread use beyond those targeting COVID-19. However, several mRNA vaccines are undergoing clinical trials for various diseases.
2. How do mRNA Vaccines work?
Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce weakened or inactive pathogens, mRNA vaccines deliver instructions to your cells. These instructions code for a specific protein, usually found on the surface of a virus or cancer cell. Your cells then use these instructions to build the protein, which triggers an immune response.
3. Which vaccines use mRNA?
Currently, the only approved mRNA vaccines are those targeting COVID-19: Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Spike Vax (Moderna).
4. Are mRNA vaccines safe?
Extensive testing has shown mRNA vaccines to be safe for most individuals. They do not alter your DNA and common side effects are mild and typically resolve within a day or two. As with any vaccine, consult a healthcare professional to determine if an mRNA vaccine is right for you.
5. Who developed the mRNA vaccine in India?
As of July 2024, there are no commercially available mRNA vaccines developed in India. However, Indian researchers and institutions are actively involved in mRNA vaccine research and development.
6. Was mRNA used before COVID?
Yes, mRNA technology has been under research for decades. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mRNA vaccine development, research was ongoing for various diseases before that.
