The safety and efficacy of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have come under intense scrutiny in recent days. Despite this, experts say the technology has been studied for decades and is safe and effective.
mRNA vaccines use a genetic sequence to teach the body how to make proteins that can trigger an immune response and fight off infections. Unlike traditional vaccines, which use a weakened or inactivated virus, mRNA vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell but rather instruct it to produce proteins outside the nucleus.
Experts argue that mRNA vaccines have been instrumental in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, with estimates suggesting they saved 3.2 million lives. However, some critics claim that these vaccines could alter DNA in the nucleus, which is not possible according to experts.
To address concerns about safety, numerous clinical trials were conducted on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, involving over 70,000 participants. These trials found short-term efficacy rates of more than 90% and consistent booster safety. Studies have also shown no impact on fertility, stroke, or other health outcomes.
However, the FDA has recently announced plans to limit access to future COVID-19 mRNA vaccine shots to those aged 65 and older or with high-risk conditions, citing new safety information about myocarditis. Experts say that while no vaccine technology is perfect, mRNA vaccines have several advantages, including faster development and deployment.
Some critics argue that the decision to limit access to mRNA vaccines may be misguided, particularly for younger adults who are concerned about long COVID and downstream heart disease.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/safety-efficacy-mrna-vaccines-amid-recent-scrutiny/story?id=122068940