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What are the differences between mRNA vaccines and traditional vaccines? — Vaccination in Marbella

18/03/2023

As opposed to conventional vaccines, mRNA vaccines function differently. They instruct the body on how to produce a protein that results in immunity from particular microbes. Traditional vaccines, on the other hand, stimulate immunity by using fragments of weak or dead microbes. In this article, the differences between mRNA vaccines and conventional vaccines are discussed, along with their respective benefits and drawbacks. It also examines our vaccination in Marbella.

How do mRNA vaccinations function?

mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that has only been around for a short while. They include the genetic material known as mRNA, which provides instructions to the body on how to make proteins. This protein triggers an immune response, which educates the body on how to defend itself against a particular virus by preventing future infections.

For instance, COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, which has spike proteins on the surface of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine prompts the body to produce this protein, and the presence of the protein prompts the body to behave as though it has a SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite the fact that it does not have such an infection.

The immune system mounts a response to SARS-CoV-2, which includes the release of antibodies to combat the virus. This happens as a result of the immune system's response. As a consequence of this, the immune system of a person who has been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and subsequently exposed to the virus will already know how to identify and combat the virus before it can cause severe illness.

mRNA vaccines cannot cause an infection in a person because they do not contain any microbes, including viruses, that could cause an infection. They also do not alter the DNA of a person in any way.

How do traditional vaccines work?

The conventional vaccination process is quite different. The particular mechanism at play differs from vaccine to vaccine.

Live vaccines

Vaccines that contain live organisms use a weakened version of the microbe that would normally cause an infection.

As a result of the immune system's reaction to the now-weakened microbes, a robust and long-lasting defence against subsequent infections is produced.

Numerous live vaccines offer protection against a specific infection for an individual's entire life. On the other hand, due to the fact that they contain a trace amount of live virus, it is possible that those with compromised immune systems should not use them.

Vaccinations with live organisms can confer immunity for a lifetime against:

• smallpox
• measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• chickenpox

 

Inactivated vaccines

Rather than using live microbes, inactivated vaccines make use of their dead counterparts. Because they do not provide as much protection as live microbes do, booster shots might be required in order to produce an immunity that lasts over time.

This category of vaccine has the potential to protect against:

• rabies
• polio
• influenza (flu)

Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines

These types of vaccines only make use of a single component of a microbe, such as a protein, sugar, or the outer casing that encases the microbe. Although they provide a robust immune response, it is possible that booster shots will be required. They do not pose any health risks to the vast majority of people, including those with compromised immune systems.

These vaccines offer protection against:

• pneumococcal disease
• whooping cough
• shingles

 

Vaccination in Marbella

At Helicopteros Sanitarios Hospital we provide a range of vaccines, from chickenpox to COVID-19. Contact us at (+34) 951 83 37 97 to know more about our Unir of vaccination in Marbella or to book an appointment.