TheExplainer of the Week: The CDC

The Center for Disease Control on mRNA Vaccines.

It may seem like mRNA vaccines are a brand new technology. That they were warp-speeded into reality in less than a year. Fact is, scientists have been working on developing an mRNA vaccine platform since the 1990s. Unlike traditional vaccines that usually contain inactivated viruses or parts of viruses, mRNA vaccines are entirely synthetic. A piece of mRNA, the 'code,' is created that acts as a blueprint for the body to create pieces of the virus that in turn stimulate an immune response. Although they are technically challenging to produce, mRNA vaccines are elegant and simple. As the CDC points out, no shortcuts were taken – the mRNA vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety.

Clear. Simple. Science.

The mRNA vaccines may be new, but they are not unknown.

Much has been learned in clinical trials for many years.