Coronavirus Vaccine and its Difference with the Conventional Vaccines

With many conspiracy theories surrounding the new coronavirus vaccine (s), people are anxious and doubtful whether the new coronavirus is really safe?s

Unlike the conventional vaccines which are made from proteins, the new coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) are generated from RNA.s

It is not surprising that people are cautious taking the new vaccines for themselves and their loved ones. Specially, with many conspiracy theories are circulating around.s

Certainly, when we learn how RNA-vaccine works, we may reduce the spread of these theories, and therefore we can make educated decision.s

First, allow me to explain the structure of biological materials in a simple terms that people without deep biological knowledge understand.s

The three most important materials of cell are DNA, RNAs and proteins.s

In order to describe it more understandable, if we assume a cell is a building, then:s

 DNA: Would be considered as the construction plan.s

 RNAs: would be considered as the blueprint and templates to make building components.s

Proteins: would be considered as the components and building materials made from blueprints.s

Conventional vaccines are made from protein components. These components are selected from the non-pathogenic parts of pathogen (for example, a virus). When vaccines are injected into the body, the defense system will be stimulated and will be ready for the pathogen (for example, a virus)s.

In practice, to generate a new vaccine, many steps must be taken. For example, all the pathogen components (different proteins) must be separated. The pathogenic and dangerous factors must be isolated, the stimulants factors should be selected and multiplies. Only The stimulants parts of the pathogen should be introduced to the body's defense system.s

The new vaccine generating process (neutralizing risk factors and identifying stimulants) can take a long time to ensure that the stimulant (vaccine) is safe and effective. In addition, manufacturing and separation of stimulants (vaccines) are both time consuming and costly.s

For instance, the flu vaccine is made from the proteins of the flu virus and is mass-produced in eggs.s

The new generation of vaccines are made from m-RNA instead of protein. The first approved m-RNA vaccine is the coronavirus vaccine. Other vaccines such as anti-cancer vaccines are on the way too.s

The main difference between these two kind of vaccines is that instead of making protein outside the body and injecting it into the body, the m-RNA is injected into the body so that our cells will make the protein (vaccine).s

As a result, the new generation of vaccines have a few advantages. One would be isolation of the stimulant part of the virus without dealing with the pathogenic part of the virus.s

In conclusion, allow me to bring up the following points:s

 RNA is the blueprint and not the master plan (DNA). Therefore, the original composition of the cell will not change.s

 RNA can be made in the laboratory, so the vaccine generating process is speedy and inexpensive.s

 The new generation of vaccines are safer and more effective than conventional vaccines. Because, there are no pathogenic and unnecessary substances of the pathogen (virus) to be isolated.s

 RNA is very fragile and should be stored in a - 70 freezer. Therefore, maintenance, transportation and vaccination will be more challenging than protein-based vaccines.s

 Although, the new m-RNA vaccine Is the first one of this kind, this does not mean that the human body is never exposed to external RNAs. Our body deals with thousands and perhaps millions of foreign proteins and RNAs throughout its life. Our immune system has a lot of ways to deal with them. It is important to remember that many viruses (such as the common cold virus) actually made from RNA. Every time, we catch a cold, we catch a virus and it’s RNA.s

 Unlike DNA, RNAs are prone to change. This means, there is possibilities that we may be forced to deal with new generation of coronavirus in the future. in similar fashion, we have a new generation of flu or common cold viruses. They are made of RNAs too.s

Although vaccination will protect you and your loved ones, coronavirus vaccination will not be mandatory.s

The better days are in the forecast.s

Reza Parsa Nejad, PhD