The basics behind mRNA vaccines
In this video, Yale experts Saad Omer, MBBS, MPH, PhD; Onyema Ogbuagu, MBBCh; and Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, explain the science behind COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Vaccines
Overview
These world-changing medical technologies use our body's natural defense systems to protect us against disease and sickness. Check out the internet's best resources on the history of vaccines, how they're developed, and much more.
1440 Findings
Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity.
The best time to get a flu vaccine may be late-September or early-October
The body needs a few weeks after the vaccine to build up a sufficient antibody response, which eventually wanes. Scheduling the vaccine accordingly can maximize its effectiveness when flu season ramps up.
How mRNA vaccines work
mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were developed faster than any vaccine ever made. Even more enticing, the underlying technology may unlock preventive treatments for a wide-range of diseases.
VideoHow mRNA vaccines work
Before vaccines, there was 'variolation': what was it?
Before the technology behind vaccinations was discovered, some keen observers of medicine around the globe noticed how previous infections could impact future ones. Learn about the techniques early physicians used before they had vaccines.
A quick video on how your immune system works
Explore how your immune system’s vast network of cells, tissues, and organs coordinate your body’s defenses against bacteria, viruses and toxins with this 5-minute TED talk video.
VideoA quick video on how your immune system works
Variola: the second-deadliest virus on Earth
Because it was declared eradicated in 1980, many forget smallpox is one of history's deadliest diseases—in its final century, it's estimated to have claimed 500 million lives. This 11-minute video from production studio Kurzgesagt takes a look at...
VideoVariola: the second-deadliest virus on Earth
How regulators ensure vaccines are safe
Learn more about the history of vaccine safety, current safety programs, and how they work with this overview from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An overview on germ theory, the crucial framework developed by Louis Pasteur
Germ theory of disease is based on the concept that many diseases are caused by infections with microorganisms, typically only visualized under high magnification. Read this general overview to understand the basic framework which allowed for development of vaccines.
The process of vaccine development, testing, and regulation
See background on the history of vaccine development, testing, and regulation, with this breakdown from the College Physicians of Philadelphia.
Who invented mRNA vaccines?
Hundreds of scientists had worked on mRNA vaccines for decades before the coronavirus pandemic brought a breakthrough.
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