The science of vaccines
Article published in Northampton Living
(December 2021)
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Allergy & Immunology
Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (AIANE)
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By Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England
Let’s talk about vaccines. I have been a vaccine immunologist since 2005. My interest in vaccines began with a healthy respect for viruses especially the Avian Bird Flu and Ebola. These are two very different but horrifying pathogens. My concern was and still is that these or other pathogens could become a pandemic and devastate the world. COVID-19 has given the world a test run on how crippling and terrifying a pandemic can be. Thankfully, due to the amazing scientific ability we possess as humans, we have started the process of ending this one faster than would happen in the natural course of the life of a pandemic.
Vaccines are both simple to understand and immensely complicated. The overall purpose of a vaccine is to activate the immune system and create an immune response that develops both antibody and cellular immunity without making the host sick with the infection. The details of how each vaccine works are more sophisticated. Some vaccines require a team approach of both B and T-cells that need to work together in order to accomplish the goal. These vaccines are generally termed conjugated vaccines. Other vaccines do not require this but rather directly activate marginal zone B cells located in the spleen. In addition, we now have a new set of vaccines that use mRNA technology to use a macrophage, a different white blood cell, to activate the immune response through a series of interactions that produce several cytokines. Cytokines are the signaling currency our immune system uses to communicate and function. The advantage to the mRNA technique is that it produces a very potent immune response. The disadvantage that these vaccines bring is that the same cytokines we need to provide immunity can cause significant side effects. Many of us who received the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can attest to this, including myself. Fortunately, these reactions are usually short lived and interestingly mostly occur in the 30- to 60-year-old age group.
Vaccines have saved more lives than can be counted since we began vaccinating for smallpox in the late 1700s. They are vital to human health. There is controversy that is mostly driven by a lack of understanding of how each vaccine works and the risk vs benefit consideration that is incredibly weighted towards the benefit. There are side effects to all vaccines, and some can be serious but for the vast majority vaccination is vital, safe and effective. So, when you get your booster vaccine or any other and feel poorly, know that your immune system is getting the job done and you will have protection from whatever nasty you are trying to get protection from.
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