As the pandemic continues, the number of vaccines available to the public continues to increase greatly. Vaccines are intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. This page will educate you about the science behind the vaccines used in Canada.
What Are mRNA Vaccines
Pfizer Vaccines
Moderna Vaccines
How Do mRNA Vaccines Work
The two main mRNA vaccines being utilized in Canada are the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The most important thing to understand about the mRNA vaccines is that they do not use the virus that causes COVID-19 and that the mRNA from the vaccine does not enter the nucleus of our cells, where our DNA is kept. Instead, it teaches the immune system to identify COVID-19 in one's body and prevent its spread.
Pfizer is an International pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm based in the United States. As one of the premier companies in the biopharmaceutical industry, Pfizer was one of the first companies to receive authorization from Health Canada to distribute their vaccine in December of 2020. In addition, Pfizer vaccines are currently the only vaccines approved for ages 5–11. Pfizer vaccines employ cutting-edge technology to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, they must be stored at freezing temperatures, making them more difficult to administer than conventional immunizations. Despite these drawbacks, Pfizer vaccinations have been proven to be one of the best options in the fight against COVID-19.
Similar to Pfizer, Moderna is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in the United States. What sets Moderna's vaccine apart from the others is its effectiveness. In those aged between 12 and 17, the Moderna vaccine has had nearly a 100 percent success rate; in addition to their success in youth, Moderna vaccines have also had a 94.1 percent success rate in those aged 18 and older after the first two weeks according to the Government of Canada. While Moderna may not have authorization for ages 5-11, they are certainly a fine choice for immunizations.
When the vaccine is first administered, mRNA will instruct the muscle cells to produce a harmless protein. This unique protein is frequently detected in COVID-19-inducing cells. Following the formation of this protein, the cells in the body will find and degrade the mRNA. The protein fragment will thereafter be visible on the surface of the cells. This will trigger the immune system to produce antibodies in attempt to combat what appears to be an illness; this process mimics what would occur if one were infected with COVID-19. Once the body has gone through the process of identifying this protein once, it will be able to recognise it again in the future and readily fight off the disease.