What is the difference between a DNA and RNA vaccine?

Basis of differentiation 

DNA vaccine

RNA vaccine

Definition 

Is a type of vaccine that uses a copy of DNA to trigger an immune response

Is a type of vaccine that uses a copy of messenger RNA (mRNA) to trigger an immune response

Mode of delivery

Is delivered to human cells through genetically engineered plasmid vectors

Is delivered to human cells using lipid nanoparticles 

Additional steps required for immune response

Needs additional steps to trigger immune responses in cell

Does not additional steps to trigger immune responses in cell

Stability at high temperatures

Very stable at high temperatures

Less stable at high temperatures

Need for ultra-cold storage

Ultra-cold storage is not required

Ultra-cold storage is essential

Risk of permanent changes to DNA

Carries a risk of integrating with the natural genome of the host causing permanent changes to the natural DNA sequences of the cell

Zero risk of causing permanent changes to the cell’s natural DNA sequences as they do not enter the cell nucleus and hence cannot integrate with the host genome