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Published on: Jul 17, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccine Against SARS CoV2

An mRNA Vaccine against SARS CoV2

We have previously discussed vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. On the 14th of July, a preliminary study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an internationally reputable medical journal. This study looks at mRNA vaccines in Phase 1 human clinical trials, a first for the virus. Here we will discuss what this means and the results of the study.

mRNA vaccine

Vaccines target the immune system’s memory by presenting them with pieces of these infective diseases. The small amounts do not cause any infective symptoms, but if the person is infected later in life their body will mount a quicker response and prevent them from falling ill. These vaccines can contain broken up parts of the organisms, “dead” organisms or “live” versions that have been severely weakened so they cannot cause any harm.

In 2018 a new type of vaccine was described. Instead of using pre-made protein markers that identify infectious organisms, mRNA vaccines contain genetic material with instructions to produce these markers. Once injected, the person’s cells use these instructions to produce copies of these protein markers. These markers are displayed on the surface of the cell, which in turn is recognized by the immune system, initiating an immune response and producing protective antibodies.

BENEFITS

A major advantage of RNA vaccines is the ease by which they can be made in a laboratory from a DNA template. During a pandemic, this would result in a rapid response and vaccine against a new disease. Conventional vaccines require the use of chicken eggs or cells to produce the vaccines, which can be expensive and time-consuming. These vaccines can be delivered via injections into the skin, blood, muscle, or organs, needle-free into the skin, or via nasal spray. Because these vaccines are so new, we still do not know the best way to deliver it.

Because these vaccines are not made with parts of infective organisms or from live organisms, they are not infectious and will not cause harm through a strong immune response to the vaccine itself, or by causing the disease they aim to vaccinate against. They also appear to be very efficient at generating a reliable immune response to produce antibodies and are well tolerated with few side effects.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Because these types of vaccines are so new there is still a lot we do not understand about them. They may cause unintended effects that we have not yet encountered in human clinical studies. These vaccines also need to be frozen or refrigerated, and so would not be suitable for countries with limited or no refrigeration facilities.

COVID

The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine codes for one of the virus’ surface spike proteins, responsible for recognizing target cells and fusing the virus into the cell for entry and infection. It was previously recognized as a target for the SARS and MERS viruses.

45 participants received 2 intramuscular injections 28 days apart. None of the participants had any serious side effects after the first injection, or any side effects significant enough to stop the trial. Many had minor to moderate side effects after their second injection (such as fatigue, chills, headache, myalgia, and pain at the injection site), and half the participants taking high dose vaccines had febrile side effects. Overall the side effects were rated as acceptable.

Prior to the vaccine trials, none of the participants had any antibodies against COVID, or any capacity to stop a COIVD infection. After the injections, all participants had noticeable increases in antibodies produced, measurable in their blood. After 43 days, the participant's blood had enough antibodies to reduce infection by SARS-CoV-2 by over 80%.

What is the takeaway? The vaccine is capable of producing an adequate response to protect the vaccine recipient without eliciting any major side effects. These results will be used in phase 2 clinical trials (enrolment began in May) and a phase 3 trial in July 2020. Essentially this means further human trials to further look for side effects in a larger number of volunteers with a more diverse health profile.

This represents an interesting development in producing a rapid vaccine against a new virus responsible for a world-changing pandemic. This new type of vaccine may be the future of vaccines for a broader range of viruses, bacteria, and even cancers.

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Walking Meetings via Voice Chat: A Smarter Way to Boost Health and Productivity in Remote Teams

Remote work has transformed how teams collaborate, but it has also increased sedentary behaviour. Long hours of sitting in front of screens contribute to fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and reduced mental focus. In this context, walking meetings conducted via voice chat have emerged as a simple yet effective corporate wellness practice that aligns productivity with health.

Walking meetings do not require additional time, special equipment or complex planning. They simply reimagine how meetings are conducted.

The Sedentary Challenge in Remote Work

According to WHO and ICMR data:

prolonged sitting increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems
remote employees often sit longer than office-based workers
screen fatigue negatively affects mental health and productivity

Traditional video meetings unintentionally reinforce inactivity.

What Are Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are conversations held while participants walk instead of sitting.

In remote settings, these meetings:

are conducted via voice calls
eliminate the need for video screens
allow participants to move freely

They are ideal for one-on-one discussions, team check-ins and brainstorming sessions.

Why Voice Chat Works Best for Walking Meetings

Voice-only meetings:

reduce screen dependency
allow safer movement
encourage active listening

Without visual distractions, participants often engage more deeply in conversation.

Health Benefits of Walking Meetings

Reduced Sedentary Time

Even short walks help:

improve blood circulation
reduce stiffness
activate muscles

WHO recommends breaking prolonged sitting every 30–60 minutes.

Cardiovascular Support

Regular walking:

improves heart health
lowers blood pressure
supports metabolic health

Incorporating movement into meetings contributes to daily activity goals.

Musculoskeletal Relief

Walking reduces:

neck and back strain
shoulder tension
joint stiffness

This is particularly valuable for desk-bound employees.

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits

Improved Focus and Creativity

Movement increases blood flow to the brain.

Studies cited by Lancet show that walking enhances:

problem-solving
creativity
memory recall

Many people report clearer thinking during walking discussions.

Stress Reduction

Walking helps:

lower cortisol levels
improve mood
reduce mental fatigue

This supports emotional wellbeing in high-pressure work environments.

Productivity Benefits for Organisations

Walking meetings:

reduce meeting fatigue
improve engagement
shorten meeting duration due to focused discussion

Employees often return to tasks feeling refreshed rather than drained.

Cultural Shift Toward Wellness-Oriented Work

Encouraging walking meetings signals:

trust in employees
commitment to wellbeing
flexibility in work culture

This improves morale and retention.

How to Implement Walking Meetings in Remote Teams

Simple steps include:

designating certain meetings as “audio-only”
encouraging participants to walk indoors or outdoors
keeping meetings concise
sharing agendas in advance

Clear guidelines ensure safety and effectiveness.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Best practices include:

avoiding walking in unsafe or crowded areas
using earphones for clarity
walking at a comfortable pace
pausing movement when taking notes

Inclusivity is important—walking should be optional, not mandatory.

Who Benefits Most from Walking Meetings?

Walking meetings are especially helpful for:

remote workers
hybrid teams
roles with frequent discussions
employees experiencing screen fatigue

They are less suitable for data-heavy presentations.

Walking Meetings as Part of Corporate Wellness Programs

Walking meetings complement:

ergonomics initiatives
mental health programs
physical activity challenges

They integrate wellness into daily workflows rather than adding extra tasks.

Long-Term Impact on Workplace Health

Over time, organisations adopting movement-friendly practices observe:

reduced burnout
improved energy levels
healthier work routines

Preventive health strategies are most effective when embedded into daily habits.

Role of Preventive Healthcare Awareness

NITI Aayog and WHO emphasise lifestyle modification as a core preventive health strategy.

Walking meetings align perfectly with this approach by:

reducing inactivity
promoting movement
supporting mental wellbeing

Small changes deliver cumulative benefits.

Conclusion

Walking meetings conducted via voice chat are a practical, low-cost and highly effective way to improve employee health and productivity in remote teams. By replacing sedentary meetings with movement-based conversations, organisations can reduce screen fatigue, enhance focus and support long-term wellbeing. In a remote-first world, walking meetings represent a smarter way to work—where productivity and health move forward together.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Non-Communicable Disease Reports
Lancet – Physical Activity, Cognition and Workplace Health Studies

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