I - implementation of COVID-19 vaccination

10 important questions on I - implementation of COVID-19 vaccination

What are the key parts of the corona virus?

RNA & Spike proteins

What are the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2?

  • Direct (from person to person)
  • Indirect (from person to object to person (fomite transmission))

What are the complications of SARS-CoV-2?

  • Respiratory failure from cytokine storm and venous leakage
  • Systemic infection leading to multiple organ failure, encephalitis, and septic shock
  • Venous thromboembolism due to coagulation failure and endothelial damage
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What are the properties of an ideal vaccine?

  • Provides same immune protection as a natural infection without causing disease
  • Provides long-lasting immune protection (so ideally causes B- and T-cell activation)
  • Prevents carriage to interrupt the spread of infection
  • Excellent risk/benefit profile (risk and severity of side effects < prevented death and complications)

What are the differences between clinical trials and animal studies in assessing the effectiveness of vaccines?

Animal studies show a reduction of virus levels (challenge studies) while clinical trials show antibody response (no challenge studies; safer)

What are the disadvantages of the use of known techniques in vaccine development?

  • Can be less safe for certain people
  • Can take a long time to develop
  • May need help for immunogenicity

What are the advantages of the use of new techniques in vaccine development?

  • Easily adaptable
  • Easy to produce
  • Safe: do not depend on virus
  • Immunogenic (vector vaccines a bit less)

How does an mRNA vaccine work (Pfizer/BioNTech; Moderna)?

Host cells take up the mRNA, translate the mRNA and produce the spike proteins. These spike proteins are displayed on the surface and expelled to the outside of the cell. The immune system recognizes the spike proteins and activates B and T cells. B cells activate and produce antibodies. T helper cells activate and help B cells to mature and make memory B cells as well as cytotoxic T cells are activated. This results in immunological memory.

What does not happen with an mRNA vaccine?

  • mRNA cannot change DNA: DNA is kept separate from the rest of the cell
  • mRNA does not linger in cells: it is naturally degraded in a few days
  • The vaccine cannot cause COVID-19: it contains a specific piece of mRNA, no the whole/live virus

How does a non-replicating viral vector work (Oxford/AstraZeneca)?

RNA that codes for some viral proteins is placed into a disabled virus (viral vector). This enables transport into the cells in the body. Host cells are infected by the vector, translate the RNA and produce the proteins. The cells display some spike proteins on their surface and expel some spike proteins to the outside of the cell. This activates the immune system and leads to immunological memory.

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