Another common myth about the COVID-19 vaccines is the fear that they will be able to change our DNA*. Since some COVID-19 vaccines are developed based on mRNA sequences, some people are worried that the mRNA could somehow alter their own genetic material. Similarly, they feared that the vaccine mRNA would permanently stay within our cells. In some cases, people became concerned that the mRNA vaccines would turn them into human-hybrids by changing the DNA with nanotechnology. All these social media posts were shown to be false [1].
The truth
The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not designed to change our DNA for several reasons [2]. First, the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell (where DNA is stored), so it is very unlikely that it will be able to affect the nuclear genetic processes. Second, as explained in our post here, the human body naturally transcribes from DNA to RNA** (not the other way around). Third, the vaccine mRNA will not remain inside our cells for a long period of time. In fact, mRNA is broken down and gets eliminated from our body rather quickly. Finally, the vaccine does not have a nanotechnology designed to change us into hybrids. The mRNA vaccines are simply enclosed in lipid*** nanoparticles. These are like “bubbles” that help carry the mRNA vaccine into our cells. The term “nano” just indicates that it is a tiny “bubble.”
As a brief recap of the mRNA vaccines, it is important to remember that we are trying to teach our bodies how to recognize the COVID-19 virus. For more information about Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, please check our post here. For information about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can read here. Stay tuned for future posts where we will decode the AstraZeneca vaccine!
*DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid, one of the nucleic acids found in living cells. DNA is formed by 4 nucleotides, which can be organized in different sequences and different lengths like letters are organized to form a text. In this case, the “text” formed by the sequence contains the instructions to form a whole organism. DNA is normally found as a paired double strand, in a double helix shape.
**RNA - Ribonucleic acid, one of the nucleic acids found in cells. It is transcribed from DNA. There are many types of RNAs, some of which can have a specific function controlling or regulating some processes in cells while others (known as messenger RNAs, or mRNAs) carry the genetic information that can be translated into proteins by ribosomes.
***Lipid - another name for a fat molecule. Fats and oils can be considered lipids. A very important part of every cell, the plasma membrane, which separates what is inside the cell from the environment, consists mostly of a special type of lipid. Lipids are also a great source of energy.
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Written by: Nicole
Edited by: María and Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any doubts about getting vaccinated due to previous health conditions, please speak with your healthcare professional or family physician. Your doctor can revise your medical history and advise you on the best path to follow. If you have any questions about this topic, please comment or send them to our email.
References:
Check, R. Fact Check-mRNA vaccines do not turn humans into ‘hybrids’ or alter recipients’ DNA. U.S. (2021). Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-mrna-megamix-idUSL1N2M61HW (Accessed: 1st November 2021)
Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html (Accessed: 1st November 2021)
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