Medical technology4 min read
mRNA technology
mRNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries instructions to make a protein. mRNA vaccines use lab-made mRNA to teach our cells to make a protein piece so the immune system learns to recognise it. The FDA approved the first such vaccine in 2021 and another in 2024.
The vaccine is surrounded by fat bubbles that protect the mRNA portion, and after the cell makes the protein fragment, the mRNA is broken down and disposed of. The vaccine does not enter the nucleus of the cell where the DNA is, so it cannot change it. In August 2021 the FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine (an mRNA vaccine), and in May 2024 an mRNA vaccine for lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people aged 60 and over.
Researchers have been working on mRNA vaccines for decades. mRNA is a short-lived molecule that breaks down easily inside cells. When the first vaccine was approved, the FDA asked for additional studies to assess the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination. The use of mRNA in cancer treatment is still in trials; see Personalised cancer vaccines. The groups recommended for any vaccine are determined by health authorities in each country.
- In widespread clinical use
- Approved for specific uses
- In clinical trials
- Preclinical
- Concept
mRNA vaccines approved by the FDA for specific diseases (COVID-19 since 2021, respiratory syncytial virus since 2024); other therapeutic uses are in trials.
- Infectious disease vaccinesApproved for specific uses
COVID-19 vaccine (2021) and respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for ages 60 and over (2024).12
- Cancer treatment vaccinesIn clinical trials
Dozens of clinical trials are testing therapeutic mRNA vaccines for different cancers; see the page on personalised cancer vaccines.3
Status last checked: · What the maturity levels mean
What is it?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a molecule that carries a sequence that can be turned into a protein.
How does it work?
mRNA vaccines use a laboratory-made molecule that teaches our cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response, surrounded by fat bubbles.
After the protein fragment is made, the cells break down the mRNA and dispose of it, and the vaccine does not enter the nucleus of the cell where the DNA is, so it does not change it.
Where is it used today?
In August 2021 the FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine, which contains mRNA.
In May 2024 the FDA approved an mRNA vaccine to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people aged 60 and over; see Adult vaccines.
Limits and risks
mRNA is a short-lived molecule that breaks down easily and does not stay long inside cells.
When the first vaccine was approved, the FDA asked for additional studies to assess the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination.
The groups recommended for any vaccine are determined by health authorities in each country, and decided by the doctor for each person.
Common questions
Does an mRNA vaccine change DNA?
No. According to the CDC, the vaccine does not enter the nucleus of the cell where the DNA is, so it cannot change it, and cells break down the mRNA after making the protein fragment.5
Questions for your doctor
- Which vaccines are recommended for me according to my age and health condition?
- What side effects are possible and what should prompt me to see the doctor?
References
- 1U.S. FDA. FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine. www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccineHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 2U.S. FDA. FDA Roundup: May 31, 2024. www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-roundup-may-31-2024Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 3National Cancer Institute (NIH) — Cancer Currents. How mRNA Vaccines Might Help Treat Cancer. www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/mrna-vaccines-to-treat-cancerHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 4NHGRI (NIH). Understanding COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines. www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Understanding-COVID-19-mRNA-VaccinesHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 5CDC. COVID-19 Vaccine Basics. www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/how-they-work.htmlHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
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Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.