mRNA Vaccines: What are they and is it safe to take?

India will soon get the other two vaccines from the US, which would be the first mRNA vaccines for India and there are some serious confusions on what these vaccines are and their possible side effects. 

 

I am daring to take the bull by its horns and attempting to explain these two vaccines and their side effects.

 

Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Both Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine to prevent COVID-19 and unlike CoviShield, Covaxin and other vaccines, these two are associated with mRNA. The doses are administered 28 days apart, and the vaccine trains the immune system to fight against future infections with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an authorization for people in the United States aged 18 or older. Earlier this week Pfizer got its clearance to administer its vaccine to 12-to-17-year old’s too and the vaccination to this age group has already started. The vaccine has also been authorized for use across the European Union after a recommendation by the European Medicines Agency, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Clinical trials data show that the vaccine has an efficacy of 94.1% at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

 

What is DNA & RNA 

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, more commonly known as DNA, is a complex molecule that contains all the information necessary to build and maintain a living organism. All living things have DNA within their cells. In fact, nearly every cell in a multicellular organism possesses the full set of DNAs required for that organism.

 

However, DNA does more than specify the structure and function of living things, it also serves as the primary unit of heredity in organisms of all types. In other words, whenever organisms reproduce, a portion of their DNA is passed along to their offspring. This transmission of all or part of an organism's DNA helps ensure a certain level of continuity from one generation to the next, while still allowing for slight changes that contribute to the diversity of life.

The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, and more than 99 percent of those bases are the same in all people. The order, or sequence, of these bases determines the information available for building and maintaining an organism, similar to the way in which letters of the alphabet appear in a certain order to form words and sentences.

 

DNA bases pair up with each other, A with T and C with G, to form units called base pairs. Each base is also attached to a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule. Together, a base, sugar, and phosphate are called a nucleotide. Nucleotides are arranged in two long strands that form a spiral called a double helix. The structure of the double helix is somewhat like a ladder, with the base pairs forming the 

ladder’s rungs and the sugar and phosphate molecules forming the vertical sidepieces of the ladder.

 

An important property of DNA is that it can replicate or make copies of itself. Each strand of DNA in the double helix can serve as a pattern for duplicating the sequence of bases. This is critical when cells divide because each new cell needs to have an exact copy of the DNA present in the old cell.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) is a molecule similar to DNA, but unlike DNA, RNA is single-stranded. An RNA strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (ribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases--adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine (G). RNA, in one form or another, touches nearly everything in a cell. RNA carries out a broad range of functions, from translating genetic information into the molecular machines and structures of the cell to regulating the activity of genes during development, cellular differentiation, and changing environments.

 

On the basis of molecular size and function, there are many types of RNA, the three most well-known and most commonly studied are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which are present in all organisms. These and other types of RNAs primarily carry out biochemical reactions, similar to enzymes. Some, however, also have complex regulatory functions in cells. Owing to their involvement in many regulatory processes, to their abundance, and to their diverse functions, RNAs play important roles in both normal cellular processes and diseases.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA in a form that can be recognized to make proteins. The coding sequence of the mRNA determines the amino acid sequence in the protein produced.

 

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the catalytic component of the ribosomes. In the cytoplasm, rRNAs and protein components combine to form a nucleoprotein complex called the ribosome which binds mRNA and synthesizes proteins (also called translation).

 

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a small RNA chain of about 80 nucleotides. During translation, tRNA transfers specific amino acids that correspond to the mRNA sequence into the growing polypeptide chain at the ribosome.

 

mRNA Vaccine Characteristics 

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine are an mRNA vaccine. While these two are the first mRNA vaccines to be authorized for use in humans, scientists have been researching this technology for many years. 

 

How does an mRNA vaccine function: the mRNA provides the body with genetic information to produce viral or bacterial proteins, in this case, the spike protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2. These proteins trigger an immune response and the production of specific antibodies, preparing the body to fight off an infection if it comes into contact with the pathogen in the future.

 

The vaccine only carries the information needed to make a small part of the virus. It does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it cannot cause COVID-19. 

 

Enzymes in our cells quickly degrade the mRNA molecules in the vaccine once the spike protein has been made. What many people think that mRNA changes or alters our DNA or creates some sort of malfunction of our DNA, which would have a long-term adverse effect on us, or it causes Neurodegenerative Diseases like Alzheimer’s or Dementia, etc. this is not true. It is not possible for the mRNA vaccine to alter the body’s genetic information.

 

Common Side Effects

The FDA’s fact sheet for this vaccine lists the following general side effects. Also, they shared the percentages of frequency reported in phase 3 clinical trial data:

• Fatigue (70%)
• Headache (64.7%)
• Muscle pain (61.5%)
• Joint pain (46.4%)
• Chills (45.4%)
• Nausea and vomiting (23%)
• Fever (15.5%)

 

The clinical trials found that side effects were more commonly reported after the second dose and lasted around 2–3 days.

 

Recipients also reported the following injection site reactions:

• Pain (92%)
• Swelling (14.7%)
• Swelling of armpit lymph nodes, specifically (19.8%)
• Redness (10%)

 

People who have had other authorized COVID-19 vaccines like CoviShield and Covaxin have also reported these side effects.

Among recipients of mRNA vaccines, however, there have been more frequent reports of these side effects from people who have had the Moderna vaccine. The study states that after the second dose, 82% of Moderna vaccine recipients reported injection site reactions, compared with 69% of Pfizer vaccine recipients.

 

There have also been reports of people experiencing a red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash at the injection site. Known as “COVID arm” the rash can appear several days after the vaccination. 

 

 

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions, severe and otherwise, have been reported as possible side effects of the vaccine, as a response to certain ingredients in the vaccine.

 

Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a rare side effect of vaccination. Out of 7,581,429 Moderna vaccine doses administered, there have been 19 reports of anaphylaxis, fewer than 3 cases per million.

 

The vaccine fact sheet lists the following potential symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:

• Difficulty in breathing 
• Swelling of the face and throat 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Rash all over the body 
• Dizziness 
• Weakness 

 

Like the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine contains an ingredient called polyethylene glycol (PEG), which has raised concerns regarding its potential to induce an allergic reaction.

 

PEG, which is commonly found in laxatives, works in the vaccine as a protective coating for the mRNA molecule as it enters cells. It is still unclear whether PEG is the cause of the reported allergic reactions or whether the concentration of PEG in the vaccine is enough to cause a reaction.

 

It is worth noting that a PEG allergy is extremely rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone with a history of an allergic reaction to PEG should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and should speak to their doctor about an alternative.

 

Dermal Fillers

Moderna reported three cases of lip or facial swelling in clinical trial participants who had previously had a dermal filler cosmetic injection. The company said that the reactions were likely related to vaccination. 

 

A possible explanation for this side effect is that the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which the mRNA helps the body to produce, interacts with regions around the dermal filler and induces an inflammatory response.

 

The CDC report that “Infrequently, people who have received dermal fillers might experience swelling at or near the site of filler injection (usually face or lips) following administration of a dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.” 

 

Hence, people who have dermal fillers can have mRNA COVID-19 vaccines but that they should contact a healthcare professional if they experience any swelling after the vaccination.

 

So, as I conclude this blog post of mine, I hope to have cleared unwarranted doubts about mRNA vaccines and what side effects should be expected.

 

Lastly, this Coronavirus is not going anywhere, and we have to live with it for an unseeable future. Vaccines are one way to protect us from getting severe infection. Yes, soon we would have better medicines to treat the infection, but till that happens, get vaccinated. It doesn't matter which vaccine you take; they all provide a certain degree of protection. No vaccine would guarantee 100% protection, because as the COVID-19 virus is mutating, so are the developments and studies on these vaccines. 

 

As the adage goes, “Precaution Is Better Than Cure”.

 

Get Vaccinated and Follow All The COVID-19 Safety Protocols.

 

Stay Safe

Stay Healthy

 

Maintain Social Distance and Mask Up.

 

CoVid Vaccines and Waive off Patents

In recent past there has been a lot of ink used on CoVid Vaccines and other drugs. I thought of doing a quick recap on what this is and more importantly what is it for us consumers.

 

A bit about COVID-19 vaccines:

• COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Researchers across the globe are working to develop a vaccine which would help build immunity across all mutations of this virus. But that will take some time
• Currently, there are 115 pharmaceutical companies working on making these vaccines.
• As of today, there are 33 vaccines in stage 3 clinical trials.
• So far, 15 vaccines have been authorized across several countries.

 

ABOUT COVID-19 PATENTS

US government has agreed to waive off patents on COVID-19 vaccines.

Patents mean that other pharmaceutical companies cannot produce generic versions of a pharmaceutical company’s original drugs for a definite number of years — often 20 years. However, in a surprise move, the United States government recently announced its support of waiving off patents for COVID-19 vaccines. Eventually, this could help boost supplies around the world.

 

At previous World Trade Organization talks, India and South Africa had called for permission to produce generic versions of COVID-19 vaccines. Until now, the U.S., the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom had blocked these calls.

 

At recent talks, however, President Joe Biden’s administration took a U-turn. As Dr. Matthew Kavanagh, a global health researcher at Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., explains, “This marks a major shift in U.S. policy in a pro-public-health way.”

 

As the vaccination rates of lower-income countries continue to lag behind those of wealthier countries, this move is a happy welcome. However, it is only a small step along the path. Rachel Cohen, U.S. director of the nonprofit Drugs and Neglected Diseases Initiative, in New York City, explains: “First, we need to remove patent obstacles. Second, we need to transfer the knowledge on how to make them, and step three is a massive investment in manufacturing capacity.”

 

Next, all countries within the World Trade Organization need to agree on the details of a waiver, which could take some time.

 

Pharmaceutical companies have concerns about the recent announcement. In a statement, the industry group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America write: “In the midst of a deadly pandemic, the Biden Administration has taken an unprecedented step that will undermine our global response to the pandemic and compromise safety. This decision will sow confusion between public and private partners, further weaken already strained supply chains and foster the proliferation of counterfeit vaccines.”

FARMERS AGITATION IN INDIA: Part 2

 Farmers Agitation / Protest: Part 2

 

My previous article has received a good response with few people sharing their constructive feedback, opinions and views. There are always two (minimum) sides of a coin, here too we are seeing that and hence I am, after taking their permission, including few of these valuable opinions, facts and views of my readers as part-2 of the article.

 

Before I add my readers views, I wish to add few more points from my end. 

 

It is not that I am stating that what these farmers are protesting is wrong or demands are wrong, but what I feel is that they have been misguided / misled by politicians and others (no surprises here) who have vested interests in them. If we consider a situation where the protesting farmers do agree with all the new laws of the government, and if it fails (we have history as proof where practically all the new policies brought in by this government have failed to sustain their promises; Demonetization, GST etc.) will they take the responsibility and own it up? No, they have never taken any Accountability of their wrong doings, which are a plenty. hence, I have been apprehensive about this law too.

 

This is probably my first article where I may be supporting the current government for this new Law but there are still lots questions and skeletons that have not yet unearthed. There are decades if not centuries of wrong doings to these farmers by Kings, Landowners, Governments, Politicians etc. 

 

I definitely do not believe that there is No Personal Interest of Government in this nor do I believe that Ambani’s, Adani’s of the world are not involved or would not benefit with this law.

 

My point that Government has brought in Real Issues to Camouflage their Personal Interests / Benefits.

 

Following are few of views shared by my readers:

 

                                    ____________________________

Sameer Shaikh

 

Hi Cyrus read through, but the core issue of the farmers are not what you have said in your article... Though I agree these are issues, which are important to address. The environmental impact needs to be addressed but I don’t think it’s the govt intention to do anything on this.

 

The MSP issue of the farmers is core and should be addressed. If you want to make an open market for anyone to purchase, keep the MSP the same for private players as well. The MSP should be applicable to APMC as well as private players. In order to remove corruption don't open a door for exploitation by the corporates. think of how the farmers can be protected, much like MRP MSP is necessary.

 

Secondly, the contract farming clauses. While this could be good, there needs to be a fair contract framework for both. The corporate could easily wash their hands from their liability to purchase a crop if the quality is not met and we all know how this can be manipulated and mentioned in the contracts. Most of the times the quality of produce is dependent on a lot of environmental factors. Some of the farmers don't have any way to appeal in the court only till the SDM, which is ridiculous.

 

About the wastage of food, the FCI is to be blamed primarily on how it manages its excess food grains and why it cannot work to make the best used of these supplies. Also, the MSP calculation has to take into account the excess available grain so that there has to be some incentive for the farmers to move from the normal Rice & Wheat to something else.

 

About the removal of Essential Commodity Act, this paves the way for anyone to hoard goods and then at a later stage create a demand and sell at high prices. While these are all possibilities, but it cannot be ruled out. 

 

Lastly, the way the law was passed and bull dozed in the parliament that does not instill confidence that is a necessary due diligence and if that was done and stakeholders brought onboard. Ideally like in the corporate world when a project impacts any department they are consulted / informed, get onboard and then project executed. In this case the govt just steam rolled the laws without any consensus. I am strongly against the intentions of this government. It closes its eyes on wrong doing and hence if these laws are misused by corporates to exploit the farmers then the government is just going to turn away.

 

Just my POV... 

I agree there are a lot of reforms needed in the farming sector, but this is not the way to bring it on.

 

_____________________________

 

Bharat Paliwal

 

Very well written.

 

1. Govt needs to explain the laws and it’s benefits to all - use TV / AIR there are enough communication channels.

 

2. The bad habits of subtle burning and wastage may also need a different angle. What is the alternative for subtle burning? If the alternative is attractive (e.g. someone procures for fuel or whatever other purposes) would a farmer literally burn this opportunity to make more money? Once the practice fades away, a law against subtle burning is smooth and will not seem harsh

 

3. Instead of wholesale freebies, can govt invest in smart agriculture? i.e., only provide free that’s absolutely needed for a particular crop - considering drip irrigation, etc. Invest there and let farmer’s benefit. Any additional use is charged.

 

On the capitalist front, does it mean middle class gets screwed by having to pay high charges to private packagers OR worse they essentially export everything leading to high prices and low quality to India.

_____________________________

 

Anu Ganesh

 

Good analysis.  The crux of the matter as some see it is that the MSP should be fixed before harvest and not after. If fixed after, then it amounts to big corporates like Ambani’s who will benefit.

 

The present law says MSP will be fixed after harvest.

_____________________________

 

 

I shall add as and when I receive more.

 

Thank you for reading.

 

 

FARMERS AGITATION IN INDIA

 FARMERS AGITATION IN INDIA

  

Farmers Agitation and Protest: This is a very controversial topic, which has received global attention. Sadly, majority of the people are supporting this Farmers Protests without even knowing the real reasons or what the farmers are protesting. If protests are the platforms and roads to arm twist and get the wrong, right, then I suppose one of the first ones to protest should be the middle-class and service-class people who have been paying their taxes and running the country without receiving any benefits, while classes who do not fall under the tax bracket are getting all the benefits, plus protesting to get more or should I say squeezing and demanding more.

 

Coming back to this Farmers Protest, so who are these farmers? Well, they are from Punjab, Haryana and UP states of India, who are amongst the richest not just amongst the Indian farmers but amongst the richest people of our country, and they Don't Pay TAX and additionally get many other subsidiaries.

 

So, I did a bit of digging and my own research to go below the unrest waters to understand what the real issue is. I have to admit here that our Government has NOT done due diligence in explaining the issues to masses and world at large, hence all these celebrities and other influencers are stating that the government is wrong and farmers getting all the emotional support. Media too has NOT been (not surprising here) providing the right information to its readers and viewers.

 

Let me take this bold step and share what I have learnt so far.

 

I would like to highlight 4-key issues that we should carefully consider for an informed opinion on the said subject:

1. Emissions from Crop Residue Burning. Farmers demanded, and regrettably the Government of India agreed, to withdraw penalties for burning crop residue. Indian farmers, mostly around Delhi in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, burn about 100 million tons (Mt) a year of crop residue, which generates 140 Mt of CO₂, 12 Mt of other noxious gases and 1.2 Mt of particulate matter choking a population of about 50 million in the area. Crop residue burning also destroys the nitrogen and carbon potential of the soil, kills the microflora and fauna beneficial to the soil, removes the large portion of the organic matter, and unavoidably leads to increased use of chemical fertilizers.We all know, read and specially people of Delhi have experienced the deadly air called Smog, which makes breathing extremely difficult and people with respiratory problems have nothing less than nightmarish days. Many young children are forced to skip school and stay indoors. 2.2 million children suffer irreversible lung damage.

 

Should we support farmers demand to let them continue to burn crop residue and add to emissions?

                                      

2. Food Wastage. Every year in India, about 67 million tons of food is wasted (and this is only the official and recorded number, unrecorded number will be approximately 3 to 4 times more), which has been estimated to be around US$14 billion and could feed 100 million people. Up to 40 per cent of the food produced in India is wasted, according to the United Nations Development Program, and about 21 million tons of wheat (2.5 Mt GHG) equivalent to gross annual production of Australia, is wasted annually. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO is a United Nations agency that works on international efforts to defeat hunger by developing agriculture) estimates show that two-third of food is wasted in post-harvest transportation, storage, processing and distribution before it reaches the consumer. To understand this better, if food wastage was a country, it would be the third largest emitter after the US and China. Embedded carbon in the wasted food in India is about 60Mt of CO₂ equivalent.  India desperately needs to modernize its agriculture, strengthen market linkages, and invest in the whole supply chain. 

 

Should we support and to continue with the current archaic systems and waste food that could feed 100 million hungry every year?    

             

3. Water Crisis. A severe water crisis is looming large in India. About 85% of irrigated agriculture in India depends on groundwater. India extracts about 230 km³ of groundwater every year of which 90% is used for irrigation. World Bank estimates show that by 2030, 65% of Indian groundwater would be considered over-exploited i.e., extracting more than is replenished by nature. 50-years ago, farmers in Punjab and Haryana boldly rose to the challenge then of food insecurity and started growing rice in a semi-arid agro-climatic zone to feed the country. This has come at a very heavy environmental cost of severe depletion of groundwater, deteriorating water quality, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and cancer-causing pesticides. India is now food surplus and needs to create incentives to make agriculture less resource intensive and demand driven. 

Agitating farmers want the government to lock into the current system of growing resource intensive and chemical ridden agriculture. Should we support that?

4. Corruption-Controlled Agriculture Markets. Many may not be aware but the current system forces farmers to sell their produce through government-established market yards where they have to pay a brokerage of about 2% to 3% and market tax of about 5% to 6%. Market Committees collect this tax supposedly for “rural development”, are controlled by politicians, and their accounts are not audited for years (rather never). The revenue is often swindled by corrupt politicians controlling these Committees. The new laws give a choice to the farmers to either continue to sell in the existing market yards or sell to anyone anywhere in the country and that too without paying any tax.

There are other strong vested interests benefitting from the status-quo. Government procures large quantities of wheat and rice for the public distribution system and pays a pre-announced minimum support price (MSP). Out of about 210 Mt of wheat and rice produced in the country, the Government procures about 85 Mt for sale to the poor at one-tenth of the procurement price. About 52% of this procurement is made from only three states Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the hub of agitating farmers. More than 90% of the farmers in rest of India do not benefit from this system. Normally, the market price is lower than the MSP. This is what creates a great opportunity for the broker-mafia. Brokers and politicians purchase wheat and rice from farmers in other states at a lower price (about 60% of MSP) and pay them in cash, bring it to government procurement stations in Punjab, Haryana and UP, sell it at a higher price (MSP) and get paid by cheque. This is counted as their agriculture income which is tax-exempt. So, these brokers, often politicians or campaign financiers, not only earn the huge arbitrage but also convert the cash (generally crime or black money) to legitimate tax-free income. New laws would bring in transparency and make it difficult to legitimize crime/black money. Don’t we all see or question how this farmer agitation is so well funded? My assumption is that many innocent farmers may not even know the source of this questionable so called “philanthropic” funding. 

 

Should we support a system of legitimizing crime and corruption money in the hands of corrupt politicians and their associates? 

 

I am hoping that eventually a satisfactory solution would be found not only for the agitating farmers of a few states but also for the remaining 90% farmers of India who would stand to gain from the new laws.

 

Thank you for reading through. The above information has been taken from few original articles as part of my research (secondary). These are my personal opinion and have no intention to create any unrest amongst any society or community of people. My objective is to see the other side of the coin too before deciding whom to support.

 

Jai Hind.