CASULLA, RENEE LOUISE S.

mRNA VACCINES
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine is just one of the types of
immunizations given in a series of doses developed to protect
one from contracting the COVID-19 disease.

mRNA vaccine generally works by Two examples of an mRNA mRNA vaccine requires two (2)
introducing a piece of mRNA to vaccine are Pfizer-BioNTech and doses to get the most benefit.
one's body and inducing the Moderna. Both of which are One dose is estimated to provide
immune system to produce approved by the FDA for people 50% protection whereas two
antibodies that will fight off the of ages 12+ and 18+ years, doses can provide about 95%
SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19. respectively. protection.

HOW DOes the mrna vaccine work?

The mRNA has a set of Through injection or shot, the

instructions for the human mRNA is inserted and introduced
body to make the spike protein
into the human body.
from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Human cells are then instructed The mRNA now then delivers the
to make the spike protein and instructions to the human cells to
displays it on the surface for make the spike protein, which
about three (3) days. could last for about 24 hours.

The immune system recognizes the After 2 doses, the human body is now
spike protein as a foreign intruder about 95% protected from the virus.
and then provides an immune Booster shot should then be taken at
response to prevent the disease. least 5 months after the 2nd dose.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS ALLERGIC REACTIONS

One may feel exhausted or run-down after receiving the injection. The Although mRNA vaccines are clinically approved to be very safe, some
body is working overtime to activate an immunological response and people may exhibit allergic reactions that usually might occur an hour
produce antibodies that will protect the person. With that being said, after getting the shot. Some of these allergic reactions include:
few side effects may occur which include:

FEVER HEADACHE FATIGUE DIZZINESS SHORTNESS OF BREATH

vomiting DIARRHEA NAUSEA RASHES HEART PALPITATIONS
JOINT PAIN MUSCLE PAIN chills SWELLING chest pains
Note: The usual side effects after receiving any type of an mRNA vaccine If any of these allergic reactions occur, immediately
are also similar to that of the COVID- 19 symptoms. call for medical help from any healthcare provider.

REFERENCES
1- How Do Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccines Work? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/how-mrna-vaccines-work

2- What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/therapy/mrnavaccines/

3- What is an mRNA vaccine? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21898-mrna-vaccines