Some vaccine hesitancy is based on a fear of the nanoparticles used in mRNA vaccines. But humans have been interacting with nanoparticles for millennia, and we use nanotechnology-based devices every day.
A vaccine manufacturing facility will be built in Victoria to produce mRNA vaccines under an in-principle agreement between the federal government, the state government and global mRNA company Moderna
Some vaccines use mRNA to make copies of the triangular red spike proteins to induce immunity.
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The new omicron variant of coronavirus has a number of mutations that may require manufacturers to update vaccines. The unique attributes of mRNA vaccines make updating them fast and easy.
The omicron variant possesses numerous mutations in the spike protein, the knob-like protrusions (in red) that allow the virus to invade other cells.
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It’s too early to say whether the newly identified omicron variant is going to overtake delta. But particular mutations in the new strain have researchers deeply concerned.
As the rate of tick-borne diseases rises, vaccines that stop ticks in their tracks could be an essential preventive tool.
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The study found that ticks were unable to feed on guinea pigs vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine, preventing transmission of the pathogen that causes Lyme disease.
Employees at the Afrigen biotechnology company and Vaccine Hub facility at work in the manufacturing laboratory.
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Afrigen will be a technology transfer and training hub: it shares technology and develops skills specifically around how to produce a safe, effective and affordable mRNA vaccine.
People queuing to get vaccinated. Instead of vaccinating 12-17 year olds, government should focus on giving boosters to people who need it.
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The focus of the government seems to be about how many people can get vaccinated rather than ensuring the greatest protection against severe disease and deaths.
Professor Edward Holmes of the University of Sydney has scooped the top award at last night’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, for his prompt efforts to understand the coronavirus genome.
For many parents, the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine authorization for younger kids can’t come soon enough.
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Pediatric clinical trials for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 have shown that the Pfizer shot is safe and effective.
BioNTech Marburg is one of the largest manufacturing facilities producing mRNA vaccines in the world.
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For the first time, the drug substance, or active ingredient for a COVID-19 vaccine - in this case mRNA - will be manufactured on the continent.
Discuss with your doctor whether or not you need a booster – and if so, which vaccine will work best for you.
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As boosters are authorized for all three COVID-19 shots available in the US, the ability to swap out vaccine types looks to be a boon to the immune system.
An FDA panel has voted against recommending approval of a booster COVID-19 shot for the general population – disappointing some public health officials.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of governments, funding agencies, academia, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, large-scale manufacturing of mRNA drug products is becoming a reality.
COVID-19 vaccines have been proved safe and effective. But it’s understandable to have questions.
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Some countries have started administering third doses of COVID vaccines, or booster shots. But we’re still learning about how long immunity lasts from the first two shots.
A Bangladeshi man gets his jab.
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Each dose of Pfizer has a long and complex path involving mixing, storage at temperatures colder than the South Pole and specific protocols that must be followed before it becomes a jab.
A small number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported following the mRNA COVID vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. But this is no reason to avoid the jab.
The freedom of going mask-free is still a ways off for kids under age 12.
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As many teens and adults in the US restart their social lives, parents of children under the age of 12 wonder when their kids will also be able to experience the freedom that comes with vaccination.