Some of the key differences between mRNA vaccines and traditional vaccines include the production flexibility, production time needed, how the immune system responds, and level of biosafety.
Basis of differentiation | mRNA vaccines | Traditional vaccines |
Definition | Vaccines that work by teaching cells how to make a small, harmless piece of the virus to trigger an immune response inside the body | Vaccines that work by inserting a weakened or inactivated germ or virus into the body to trigger an immune response. |
Manufacturing & development | Faster manufacturing time - mRNA vaccines can be quickly designed, tested, and mass produced | Slower manufacturing time - growing large amounts of infectious viruses and then inactivating them can take weeks, months, or even years |
Shelf life | Up to 6 months | Varies by vaccine but may be 1-3 years |
Flexibility | Production process can be easily standardized and scaled | Cannot be standardized or scaled – each new vaccine entails a tailored manufacturing process, including complex purification and testing |
Effectiveness & safety | Effective and safe for the vast majority of people as they do not contain any whole microbes, alive or dead | Can be highly effective but are not safe for everyone as they contain a live virus, which has inherent risks |
Length of immunity | Several booster shots may be required over time to maintain immunity | Varies from one vaccine to another - some may offer lifelong immunity while others may require booster shots at intervals |