Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery explaining why mRNA vaccines can lead to side effects like headaches and fevers. The study, conducted by Melbourne's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in collaboration with RMIT University, provides the first detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and break down in the human bloodstream.
mRNA vaccines are designed to remain in the lymph nodes to produce antibodies that fight infections. However, the research, which examined 156 blood samples from 19 individuals over 28 days following an mRNA COVID-19 booster shot, found that a small amount of the vaccine does enter the bloodstream.
\"The extent to which the vaccine enters the bloodstream varies between individuals, which may explain some of the side effects such as fever, headache, and fatigue, reported after vaccination,\" explained Yi Ju, co-author of the study from RMIT University's School of Science.
This variation in the presence of the vaccine in the blood can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to the observed side effects in certain individuals. The findings offer valuable insights that could help improve the safety and efficacy of future mRNA vaccines.
Since their approval in 2020 for COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have been a pivotal tool in combating the pandemic. Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened viruses, mRNA vaccines use genetic instructions to prompt the body to produce proteins that trigger an immune response. This technology is now being explored for developing vaccines and therapeutics for other conditions, including cancer.
The authors believe that understanding the mechanisms behind vaccine distribution and breakdown in the body is crucial for enhancing vaccine design, potentially reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
