Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have played a vital role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Washington state. In a recent newsletter, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) provided some helpful recommendations for explaining how the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine works.
DOH suggests using simple, clear language and exercising patience when educating others about vaccines. Additionally, DOH recommends keeping the conversation focused on general overview unless further details are requested. An example provided by DOH reads, “Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines use genetic material created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein, or piece of protein, that will trigger an immune response inside our bodies. Once the immune system is activated it will begin producing antibodies, which provide protection if we are exposed to the real virus.” Finally, DOH suggests that images, like the one shown below, can be helpful tools for communicating about vaccines.
DOH suggests the following facts may further support conversations about mRNA vaccines:
- mRNA vaccines are safe and effective.
- COVID-19 mRNA vaccines cannot give someone the virus that causes COVID-19 or any other viruses.
- mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.
- They do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way.
- Our cells break down mRNA and get rid of it within a few days after vaccination.
- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are mRNA vaccines and are the preferred COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.
To learn more about mRNA vaccines, consider exploring the following resources:
- DOH’s How Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Work? webpage
- DOH’s How Would COVID Vaccines Work in Your Body video
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage
- CDC’s How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work flyer
Interested in receiving DOH’s Vaccine Partner Newsletter? Enter your email on this page, expand “Immunization” on the next page and select “COVID-19 Vaccine Partner Newsletter” before clicking submit.