How does the 'mRNA' COVID Vaccine work? What does it do to your body?

This is what you need to know about the new COVID vaccines. The crash course.
There are THREE covid vaccines approved for use in the UK (Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford AstraZeneca, Moderna). But how do they work? What about side effects?
I tried my absolute best to avoid science jargon & make this as understandable as possible. But the science was cool so I had to leave in all the fun stuff.
On this channel I talk about my life as a PhD student, crafty adventures, science and other things. Check them out!
Pop any questions you have in the comment section and I'll do my best to answer them. BUT I'm just a grad student with an immunology degree and a double dose of enthusiasm. I'm not an expert. I'm not an immunologist. I'm not a doctor. I just really like science. Okay?
#COVID19 #Coronavirus #Vaccine #CovidVaccine #CovidVaccination #Vaccine_Update

[@senyobotchie4537]

Very insightful Emma! Good stuff!!!

[@rebeccaplude1290]

Thanks for the info, but I have a question. I came down with COVID in November. The general knowledge I have heard is that I have immunity for 90 (ish) days. How is a vaccine more effective for my immunity than me actually getting the virus and fighting it off already?

[@EmmaSandy]

That's a great question Rebecca. There's two reasons why vaccination is better than natural immunity. First, the memory from a 2-dose vaccine is longer and stronger. Second, no grannies will be harmed in the making of your vaccine immunity. You won't spread disease after a vaccine, but real COVID and especially new variants are incredibly contagious.
If you came down with COVID once, and then your body forgets after a few months, we're back to square one. Leaving the virus in general circulation also gives it time to mutate (see London variant). The virus will undoubtedly kill people while it's in general circulation.
The vaccine gives longer immunity. The reason we need the second booster vaccination is because it allows your immune system to commit the info to 'memory'. One vaccine alone means the immune system will have temporary immunity, but its this second dose of the vaccine that is key for long term immunity. At the second vaccine, your immune system makes 'memory cells', which stay in your body for years. These memory cells remember the mugshot and have a rapid plan of action.

[@gabrielaagama3323]

Hi Emma its a great video, very informative. What can you tell me about a mother who is breastfeeding , how does taking the vaccine affect the baby?