Why mRNA vaccines cause side effects identified

New research will help improve mRNA vaccines for safer and more effective use - Photo: AFP

A study led by researchers from RMIT University and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne has provided the first detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and break down in human blood.

The study analyzed 156 blood samples from 19 individuals within 28 days of receiving Moderna's booster mRNA vaccine.

The mRNA vaccine is designed to stay in the lymph nodes to produce antibodies to fight infection, but research has found that small amounts enter the bloodstream.

"The level of vaccine that enters the bloodstream varies from person to person, which may explain some of the side effects such as fever, headache and fatigue reported after vaccination," Yi Ju, co-author of the study from the faculty of science at RMIT University, explained on the RMIT University website.

However, Mr. Ju emphasized that the amount of vaccine that enters the bloodstream is very small, so the mRNA vaccine is still safe and effective.

“Understanding the causal relationship between the amount of vaccine circulating in the blood and these side effects will be an important area for future research,” he said.

“By understanding the biodistribution of these components, we can better inform future vaccine designs to minimize risk.

Our research provides valuable insights into improving mRNA vaccines for safer and more effective use,” said co-author Professor Stephen Kent of the Doherty Institute.

Since the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was announced, scientists have harnessed the technology to develop vaccines and therapies for a variety of diseases, including cancer.

Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened viruses, this mRNA vaccine uses genetic instructions to prompt the body to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.

Able to be developed quickly, the ability to adapt to new variants has helped make the vaccine popular in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/da-xac-dinh-vi-sao-vac-xin-mrna-gay-tac-dung-phu-20241017223727523.htm