Family physicians are trusted sources for disucssing with patients the benefits and risks of vaccinations as a means to help prevent potential exposure to infectious diseases in households and communities. Use the resources on this page to learn:
This information and guidance will lead to productive dialogue with patients as you prepare for the next respiratory virus season, all with the end goal of increasing the rate of patients who get vaccinated early in the season — thereby decreasing the spread of viruses.
Vaccines are developed using a variety of platforms. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are an alternative to the traditional vaccine platforms that deliver antigens directly, such as live attenuated, inactivated and protein subunit vaccines. They use synthetic mRNA molecules designed to function like naturally occurring mRNA. These molecules are transported into cells using various delivery vehicles—most commonly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). LNPs protect the mRNA from rapid enzymatic degradation and promote efficient delivery into the cytoplasm, where ribosomes translate it into the specific antigen needed to induce an immune response. The mRNA does not enter the cell nucleus or integrate into DNA, and it is broken down after the antigen is produced.
In this short video, learn about the history, technology and mechanisms by which mRNA vaccines work to prevent and combat infectious diseases. Discover how different types of vaccines function and how mRNA and non-mRNA vaccines offer distinct methods of protection, and also see recent advancements in mRNA technology aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, host Michael Monroe speaks with AAFP Vaccine Science fellows Dr. Anne Schneider and Dr. Mina Saleem Khan about why mRNA vaccines matter and how family physicians can address patient questions and misinformation. They explain mRNA basics, review COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy, address common myths, and share practical communication strategies—such as empathetic counseling, presumptive recommendations, and team-based systems—to reduce missed vaccination opportunities.
Despite strong evidence of safety and effectiveness, mRNA vaccines have faced public skepticism. When patients have concerns about mRNA vaccines, clinicians can support informed vaccination decisions by focusing on the facts.
“Because mRNA COVID-19 vaccines came out during a pandemic, the safety of these vaccines was not tested.”
“An mRNA vaccine modifies human DNA.”
“COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy will harm the unborn baby.”
Large phase III clinical trials were still completed prior to the initial release of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
An mRNA vaccine does not change human DNA because the mRNA never enters the cell nucleus, where DNA is stored. The vaccine works by giving the body temporary instructions to make a harmless protein that induces an immune response, and then the mRNA breaks down within hours to days.
VSD data from 42,156 pregnancies found no increased risk of major birth defects after firsttrimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, a population-based study of 94,303 infants found no increased risk of neonatal adverse events after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.