What Are Lipid Nanoparticles in mRNA Vaccines?
Vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed with unprecedented speed. In particular, mRNA vaccines — a technology already in clinical trials for other infectious diseases, such as influenza — have shown impressive efficacy in world-wide administration. However, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been found in some people after receipt of mRNA vaccines. [1] Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause rashes, a plummeting blood pressure, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat. It can occur with any vaccine, but are usually extremely rare— about one per 1 million doses . Based on a prospective cohort of health care employees, it found that: [3] 98% without any allergic reactions 2% reported some allergic symptoms Severe reactions consistent with anaphylaxis occurred at a rate of 2.47 per 10 000 vaccinations. All individuals with anaphylaxis recovered without shock or endotracheal intubation. Incidence rate of confirmed an...