messenger RNA vaccines

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines teach our immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses, such as COVID-19. They contain synthetic mRNA, which provides instructions for cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus called a spike protein. Once the protein is made, the immune system detects it as foreign and builds defenses, including antibodies. This prepares the body to respond quickly if exposed to the actual virus. mRNA vaccines do not alter DNA and are designed to be safe and effective, offering a rapid way to develop immunity without using live virus.