How Different Vaccine Technologies Work

An overview of the primary mechanisms behind various vaccine types, from novel mRNA to traditional inactivated forms.

The top 3

mRNA Vaccines: Mechanism and Advantages: mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions to host cells, teaching them to produce specific antigens (like the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein), which then trigger an immune response without introducing a live virus. Key advantages include rapid design, adaptability to new variants, and high programmability.
Viral Vector Vaccines: Delivery System Explained: Viral vector vaccines use a harmless, modified virus (the vector) to deliver genetic code for an antigen into human cells, prompting them to produce the antigen and stimulate an immune response against the targeted pathogen. Examples include some COVID-19 vaccines, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Inactivated Vaccines: Traditional Approach: Inactivated vaccines contain pathogens (viruses or bacteria) that have been killed or rendered inactive, meaning they cannot replicate but can still trigger an immune response. These vaccines often require multiple doses and sometimes adjuvants to achieve robust and long-lasting immunity.