We finally have not one - but two - vaccines to tackle COVID- 19! Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines defied the laws of biotechnology, being made available to the general public a year after the birth of this novel virus. While there are several other vaccines being developed, Moderna and Pfizer were the first to be approved by the FDA and dispatched for use.
How do the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work?
Both vaccines use mRNA. Essentially, mRNA is a molecule containing genetic information which transfers from the nucleus the coding for a protein (such as an antibody) to a ribosome within a cell. However for the COVID- 19 vaccines, the mRNA inserted through the injection goes straight to the ribosomes of cells instead of originating from the nucleus. When the mRNA from the vaccine reaches the ribosome, it stimulates the ribosome to produce an immunogenic response. This is when protective functions like antibodies are produced to combat and kill the virus. The mRNA and protein produced by the ribosomes are destroyed by the antibodies, while the antibodies live on in the blood and lymph nodes, ready to destroy the COVID- 19 virus if it enters the body. Nevertheless, both the vaccines are short lived, and frequent shots must be given.
Although these vaccines have a 90% and above efficacy, they have not proven to prevent the infection itself. What this means is that the infection could still occur and be transmitted to other people, much like the asymptomatic state of the virus. Only when a vaccine does curtail the ability of the body to possess the infection, will transmissibility rates be reduced.
With the year starting with such hopeful results from Moderna, Pfizer and several other vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin and many more, there is hope that soon the world shall return to some semblance of normalcy. There is optimism to be had in 2021.
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