One question I have about mRNA vaccines that I haven't been able to find the answer to through my own searching: how is the mRNA delivered to the cell? All the articles I read say that the mRNA is "taken up by the cell", but what is the mechanism? Do cells naturally just absorb free-floating mRNA? Or is a modified virus used to inject the mRNA?
In both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines the RNA is encapsulated in “lipid nanoparticles”. These microscopic droplets of oily liquid — about 0.1 micron in diameter — enclose and protect the fragile genetic instructions as they are manufactured, transported and finally injected into people. https://archive.is/6dxTg
Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
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Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#242Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Fortunately I don't need to though, because soon we'll probably have 2 great vaccines to choose from. Indeed! And I'll be going with the adenoviral route which has been used for more than fifty years, rather than the brand new, first time ever mRNA product.
>Indeed! And I'll be going with the adenoviral route which has been used for more than fifty years, rather than the brand new, first time ever mRNA product. Interesting, I feel the exact opposite. I can't wait to take a mRNA vaccine, but the adenovirus ones seem sketchy given that Sinovac, J&J, and AstraZeneca have all seen serious adverse events in their trials, while Pfizer and Moderna have seen none, along with mu…
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#243Well just like I don't immediately update to the latest OS I think I'll wait for the beta testing to happen :)
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#244Earlier quoted context omitted.
It also depends on the known safety profile. With AstraZeneca some people already have to take pain medications after taking the vaccine...I wouldn't be comfortable putting using that vaccine without much wider testing. Fortunately I don't need to though, because soon we'll probably have 2 great vaccines to choose from.
> Fortunately I don't need to though, because soon we'll probably have 2 great vaccines to choose from. Indeed! And I'll be going with the adenoviral route which has been used for more than fifty years, rather than the brand new, first time ever mRNA product.
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#245Earlier quoted context omitted.
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We now know that Covid is not nearly as deadly as was first perceived, and that a relatively narrow band of the population is vulnerable to its worst effects. It's foolish to act as though this is worse than it is.
We now know that Covid is not nearly as deadly as was first perceived
That seems to depend on where you live. The 250k deaths from 11M infections number in the US is putting it within the original estimates. If you assume the actual case count is 2x or 3x the tested positive number, then its still roughly 1%, which will result in a lot of early deaths. If your over 50 then you should be taking it very seriously.If the vaccine numbers are right, it could literally save over a million peoples lives just in the US.
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#246Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm not anti vaxx. But I totally understand after institution after institution failed us all, that people will be skeptical about a miracle vaccine developed in mere months. I have faith in the scientists, but anyone can see the incentives are dodgy here.
Please cite the lengthy list of institutions that have failed us all.
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#247Earlier quoted context omitted.
A lot less stupid than continuing with "distance learning".
You and I have very different definitions of stupid. Requiring an entire country to go whole hog on something with zero real understanding of long term effects is my definition of stupid. When is that ever the wise thing to do?
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#248Well just like I don't immediately update to the latest OS I think I'll wait for the beta testing to happen :)
Same. I'm not an anti-vaxxer or anything like that. But I think "don't use version 1.0" advice applies here just like it does for software. Especially given the possibility that things have been "hurried" in the name of expediency in terms of getting the vaccine(s) developed, tested, and approved. The good news, in a sort of perverse sense, is that some delay to see what happens with "early adopters" is kinda inevita…
Yes vaccines can sometimes do weird things to the immune system, but viruses are far more likely to jack up the immune system than most vaccines.
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#249Earlier quoted context omitted.
Is this a surprising statistic? Even with milder illnesses such as the flu, it's common to experience cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath for weeks.
It’s not common for 35% of flu patients to experience those symptoms after 14-21 days have passed, as it is with Covid.
Re: Pfizer submits Covid vaccine to FDA for approval, to distribute in December
#250One question I have about mRNA vaccines that I haven't been able to find the answer to through my own searching: how is the mRNA delivered to the cell? All the articles I read say that the mRNA is "taken up by the cell", but what is the mechanism? Do cells naturally just absorb free-floating mRNA? Or is a modified virus used to inject the mRNA?