Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

Information about Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mrna) (nucleoside modified) uses

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) is used to prevent Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

How messenger ribonucleic acid (mrna) (nucleoside modified) works

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) contains the genetic material of the virus, called mRNA, in a lipid capsule. Once the vaccine is administered, this lipid capsule helps in carrying the genetic code of the virus into the host cells (cells of the person receiving the vaccine). The mRNA cannot multiply or cause the disease. But, the immune system treats it as a foreign particle and is signaled to create antibodies against this mRNA. This helps the immune system to develop strong antibodies that can neutralize the actual virus if the individual is ever exposed to it. This kind of approach is safe for the body, ensures maximum protection, and does not cause the disease.

Common side effects of messenger ribonucleic acid (mrna) (nucleoside modified)

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Fatigue, Headache, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Chills, Nausea, Vomiting, Swelling of lymph nodes, Fever

Available Medicine for Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

  • ₹0
    ModernaTX, Inc
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

  • Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) is a 2-dose vaccination regimen. The second dose is administered 28 days after the first dose.
  • It is given in the muscle (intramuscularly) of the upper arm.
  • You may be observed for 15-30 minutes to monitor any allergic reactions that may occur after administering Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified).
  • Getting vaccinated is voluntary. However, it is advisable to complete the vaccination schedule to restrict the spread of the virus.
  • In addition to vaccination, observe other control measures such as social distancing, mask donning, and hand-washing.
  • Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) is currently not meant to be administered in children as safety and efficacy are not yet established.

Frequently asked questions for Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)

Q. Are there any serious side effects of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)?
Yes, there have been instances of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in people who received Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified). It is therefore advised that those people who experience an immediate severe allergic reaction to the first dose, should not receive additional doses. Additionally, there have been cases of myocarditis (inflammation in the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation in the outer lining of the heart) seen in people, after getting the second dose particularly. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
Q. Does Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) protect against the newer strains/mutated versions of the COVID-19 virus?
As per the currently available evidence, newer strains/mutated versions of COVID-19 do not alter the safety or effectiveness of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified). So, it can be said that they may be able to protect you against the newer strains of the virus. However, studies are still underway to get more data around this.
Q. Can Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) be given to children?
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) has not been studied for safety and effectiveness in the children/pediatric population so far. As per the current guidelines, only people aged 18 years or older are advised to receive this vaccine. Therefore, it is advised not to give any COVID-19 vaccine to children till we have enough data available.
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Q. Is it important to take both doses of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)?
Yes. It is extremely important to get both doses of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified). It is only after 2 weeks of getting the second dose, that complete protection is expected.
Q. If the second dose is missed, do we need to repeat the series?
If the second dose is missed, or an individual is unable to take the second dose due to unavoidable circumstances like vaccine unavailability, the interval between both doses may be extended up to 42 days. Repetition of the vaccination series is not required even if the time-lapse is greater than 42 days (or 6 weeks).
Q. Will a booster dose be required in the future?
So far, there is no booster dose being given after completing the two-dose vaccination with Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified). A third booster dose may be available in the latter part of the year but for now, the two-dose regime is being followed worldwide.
Q. Can a vaccinated person get COVID-19?
Any of the available vaccines do not offer 100% protection against the deadly COVID-19 infection. But, studies suggest that the risk of getting seriously infected is reduced in a vaccinated person when compared to an unvaccinated individual. Follow all the necessary precautions like maintaining social distance, wearing a mask, frequent washing of hands, or using a sanitizer to stay protected.
Q. What are the most common side effects of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)?
The most common side effects of Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) are injection site pain, redness or swelling, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, nausea or vomiting, axillary swelling or tenderness, and fever. However, these are mild and usually resolve with time. If they bother you or do not go away, please consult the doctor. The doctor will prescribe some medicines or may suggest ways to cope up with these side effects.
Q. How can Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) be stored?
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) may be stored refrigerated between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for up to 30 days before first use. After the first dose has been given, the vial should be kept between 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Any leftover vaccine should be discarded 12 hours after the first use.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before getting Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)?
Before getting Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) you should tell your doctor if you are on regular medication for any illness, for how long, and for which condition. Inform your doctor if you have a history of myocarditis or pericarditis, any allergies, fever, a bleeding disorder, are on blood thinners, or if you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system. You must consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have received another COVID-19 vaccine earlier too.
Q. I have high blood pressure and diabetes. Can I still get vaccinated with Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified)?
Yes. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) is safe and effective in people with known medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, liver, lung, or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled. So, if your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are controlled, you may get vaccinated. However, please consult the doctor before getting vaccinated with Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (nucleoside modified) if they are not under adequate control.
Q. I already got infected with COVID-19 once. Do I still need to get vaccinated?
Yes. People who have already been infected with COVID-19 should still get vaccinated unless told otherwise by their healthcare provider. Even if you’ve had a previous infection, the vaccine acts as a booster that strengthens the immune response. There have also been some cases of people getting re-infected with COVID-19, which makes getting vaccinated even more important.
Q. Which COVID-19 vaccines are granted emergency use authorization in India?
Five vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in India are Covishield (AstraZeneca's vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India), Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited), Sputnik V (Russia's vaccine, being manufactured by Dr. Reddy's laboratories in India), Moderna (US vaccine being imported by Cipla, India) and the most recent being Johnson and Johnson’s single dose Covid-19 Vaccine.

Content on this page was last updated on 05 September, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)