Q. With reference to mRNA vaccines, consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The mRNA vaccine does not expose individuals to the virus itself.
Statemen-II: Unlike traditional vaccines, which contain weakened or inactivated germs, mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Like other vaccines, the mRNA vaccine also attempts to activate the immune system to produce antibodies that help counter an infection from a live virus. However, while most vaccines use weakened or dead bacteria or viruses to evoke a response from the immune system, mRNA vaccines only introduce a piece of the genetic material that corresponds to a viral protein. This is usually a protein found on the membrane of the virus and is called spike protein. Therefore, the mRNA vaccine does not expose individuals to the virus itself.
Source: ForumIAS

