Positive aspects of the mRNA platform for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

Abstract

The unprecedented need to acquire a safe and effective vaccine for the long-term control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global imperative. Researchers have been working urgently and collaboratively to develop vaccines against the causative agent of COVID-19. The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine platform offers new opportunities for the development of effective vaccines. The first use of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for individuals outside the clinical trials raised concerns over their safety and future efficacy. In social media, particularly in developing countries, widely shared false claims allege that the current mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines potentially integrate into the host genome and thus may genetically modify humans. These vaccines are also assumed to lack efficacy due to the emergence of new strains. Such misinformation cause people to hesitate about receiving vaccination against COVID-19. This commentary aimed to outline the structure, mechanism of action and the major motive for the use of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, with a focus on scientifically addressing challenges associated with conspiracy theories and dispelling misinformation around vaccination.