What it means
Cells copy the instructions in a gene into mRNA, and the cell's protein-building parts (ribosomes) read it to make a protein. mRNA vaccinevak-SEENA product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.Full entry , such as COVID-19 vaccines, give cells the instructions to make one harmless piece of a virus, so the immune system learns to recognize it. The mRNA breaks down within days; it does not enter the cell's nucleus or change a person's DNA.
For the nurse
When teaching about mRNA vaccines, explain plainly that they cannot cause the infection and do not change genes, and say which side effects are expected (sore arm, tiredness, fever for a day or two).
At a glance
| Also written | messenger RNA |
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Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.