Can mRNA vaccines cause spillover?
Can mRNA vaccines cause spillover?
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In the context of mRNA vaccines and their relation to spillover, the term generally refers to any unintended distribution of vaccine components to organs other than the target site. According to Rhonda Patrick, a study involving rats that were given a higher than normal dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine showed that the lipid nanoparticles containing the mRNA were detected in various organs. This caused concerns about potential spillover and its implications. However, subsequent studies with appropriate, lower doses showed that such spillover did not occur or was limited and transient, occurring mainly in nearby lymphatic tissues where immune responses could effectively manage the vaccine components 1.
Hence, while high doses of mRNA vaccines have shown potential for spillover in animal models, standard dosing practices do not typically lead to such effects, suggesting that the vaccines are behaving as expected in safely targeting the immune system without widespread distribution to other organs.
mRNA Vaccine Spillover
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