Vaccines are among the most powerful tools in modern medicine, credited with saving millions of lives and eradicating or controlling many infectious diseases. As science advances, so too does vaccine technology.
The emergence of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal shift in the field of immunization. But how do these new mRNA vaccines compare to traditional vaccines? Let’s explore the scientific principles, development processes, advantages, and limitations of both vaccine types.
Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. They do this by introducing an antigen—a molecule from the pathogen—that triggers an immune response without causing disease. This prepares the immune system to respond more effectively if exposed to the real pathogen in the future.
Traditional vaccines come in various forms:
These traditional approaches have a long track record of safety and effectiveness. However, they often require growing large quantities of the virus or bacteria in labs, which can be time-consuming and complex.
mRNA vaccines represent a novel approach that leverages the body’s own cellular machinery. Instead of injecting an antigen or a weakened/killed version of a virus, mRNA vaccines deliver a snippet of genetic material—specifically messenger RNA—that instructs cells to produce a protein unique to the virus, usually the spike protein in the case of SARS-CoV-2.
Once the protein is produced, the immune system recognizes it as foreign and mounts a defense. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell or alters the individual’s DNA, and it is broken down by the body shortly after the protein is made.
mRNA vaccines have a significant advantage in speed. Because they do not require growing pathogens or purifying proteins, the design and production of mRNA vaccines can be much faster. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were developed and authorized for emergency use within a year of the virus’s discovery—a timeline unheard of with traditional methods.
This accelerated development cycle has major opportunities for clinical research organizations (CROs) and study participants in Richmond, Virginia. Clinical Research Partners, for example, plays a vital role in accelerating vaccine development timelines while ensuring safety and efficacy through rigorous local clinical trials.
Clinical trials and real-world data have shown that mRNA vaccines can be highly effective. For instance, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines showed efficacy rates above 90% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in early studies.
Traditional vaccines also boast strong efficacy, particularly in preventing severe disease. However, efficacy can vary depending on the pathogen and the type of vaccine used. For example, the annual flu vaccine’s effectiveness ranges from 40% to 60% due to the virus’s rapid mutation rate and the need to predict circulating strains each year.
Both mRNA and traditional vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval. Common side effects for both types include pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever, and headaches, typically lasting a day or two. Serious side effects are rare.
mRNA vaccines have raised specific concerns, such as the potential for allergic reactions to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a component used in the lipid nanoparticles that deliver the mRNA. However, these reactions are extremely rare, and the overall safety profile of mRNA vaccines remains strong.
Clinical research sites in Richmond, including Clinical Research Partners, contribute to the understanding and monitoring of these safety profiles through ongoing post-market surveillance studies and volunteer-driven trials.
One limitation of mRNA vaccines is their storage requirements. They must be kept at very low temperatures to remain stable, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine initially requiring -70°C (-94°F) storage. While newer formulations and updated guidance have improved these conditions, distribution can still be more challenging compared to traditional vaccines, many of which can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures.
mRNA vaccine platforms offer enormous potential beyond COVID-19. Because the underlying technology is highly adaptable, researchers are exploring mRNA vaccines for influenza, Zika, cytomegalovirus, and even cancer. The ability to rapidly design mRNA sequences to target different diseases could revolutionize how we respond to emerging pathogens.
Traditional vaccines, while slower to develop, are often easier to manufacture at scale once the production process is established. They also have the advantage of decades of research, regulatory familiarity, and established public trust.
mRNA vaccines and traditional vaccines each bring unique strengths to the table. Traditional vaccines have proven their effectiveness over time and remain crucial in global immunization efforts. Meanwhile, mRNA technology represents an exciting leap forward, offering unprecedented speed, adaptability, and promising avenues for future disease prevention.
In Richmond, Virginia, local clinical research organizations play a key role in evaluating and advancing both mRNA and traditional vaccines. By participating in trials, our community helps contribute to the development of life-saving treatments and the future of public health.
At Clinical Research Partners, we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, bringing cutting-edge science to Central Virginia and beyond. If you’re interested in taking part in a clinical study or learning more about vaccine research, contact us today.