What Is a Covid-19 Vaccine & How Does It Alter DNA?
In 2020, the world was fighting a battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaccines were forged around the world, and now, the majority of countries are in the process of distributing the vaccine to their citizens. However, the discovery of vaccines has led to ongoing debates over their safety and efficacy. One of the most commonly held conceptions is that some of the Covid-19 vaccines actively alter DNA, but is this actually the case? This article seeks to answer this question and provide an overview of what a Covid-19 vaccine is and how it interacts with the human genome.
What Is the Covid-19 Vaccine?
The Covid-19 vaccine is a preventative measure created to protect people from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the Covid-19 illness. Vaccines contain pieces of the virus that have been weakened or killed. Once administered, these pieces prompt the body’s immune system to respond and remember the virus. This enables the body to fight off the virus if it is encountered again in the future.
Types of Covid-19 Vaccines
There are two main types of Covid-19 vaccines available:
- Inactivated/killed virus vaccines
These vaccines contain a part of the virus that has been killed. Examples of inactivated/killed virus vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Vector vaccines
These vaccines contain a weakened version of a virus that is not related to Covid-19. This virus is modified so that it cannot cause illness, while still being able to deliver the necessary components of the Covid-19 virus to the body. Examples of vector vaccines include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the Moderna vaccine.
Does the Covid-19 Vaccine Alter DNA?
One of the most commonly discussed issues regarding Covid-19 vaccines is their alleged ability to alter DNA. As no Covid-19 vaccine on the market integrates with the human genome, this claim is false.
The truth is, the pieces of the Covid-19 virus present in the vaccine cannot alter a person’s DNA. This is because the pieces of the virus present in the vaccine are not “living”, meaning they cannot interact with the DNA.
The mRNA Type of Covid-19 Vaccine
One type of Covid-19 vaccine that has raised awareness regarding its alleged capability to alter DNA is the mRNA type, as mRNA acts by delivering instructions to the body’s cells and altering the way cells function. These instructions are not permanent and are lost and replaced once the cells’ job is done. As a result, mRNA vaccines do not alter or insert anything into a person’s body and do not affect a person’s genetic makeup or DNA.
What Are the Benefits of the Covid-19 Vaccine?
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a catastrophic event, leading to mass illness and death around the world. Fortunately, the development of Covid-19 vaccines has been met with much anticipation, as they offer a glimmer of hope to the global population.
The key benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine include:
• Vaccinated individuals are less likely to become severely ill or die from Covid-19 in comparison to those who are not vaccinated.
• Vaccines provide protection to those who are unable to obtain immunity through the natural infection process.
• Vaccines offer the potential to ‘herd immunity’, which is when a large number of people are immune to a virus so that it cannot successfully spread through the population.
• Vaccines can prevent additional strain on the healthcare systems, reduce the economic burden of the pandemic, and ultimately, save lives.
FAQs About the Covid-19 Vaccine
Q: Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe?
A: Yes, all Covid-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous safety testing and evaluation to ensure their safety.
Q: Does the Covid-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
A: No, the components of the Covid-19 vaccine are too weak to interact with the genome.
Q: Can I still get Covid-19 even if I have been vaccinated?
A: It is possible to still get Covid-19 after being vaccinated. However, vaccinated individuals are less likely to become ill or die from the virus than those who are unvaccinated.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for the global population. However, the ongoing development of Covid-19 vaccines is an example of how humanity can mobilise itself in the face of adversity. Vaccines provide a potential solution to the pandemic and they provide protection to those who are not able to fight the virus through their own immune system. Despite common misconceptions, Covid-19 vaccines do not alter DNA, so now that you are informed of the facts, you can make a decision as to whether or not you decide to get vaccinated.
