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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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Home Sample Collection Services India: Convenient, Safe, and Accessible Diagnostics

Diagnostics are at the heart of preventive and chronic healthcare. In a fast-paced and digitally connected world, individuals want healthcare that fits effortlessly into their lifestyle. Home sample collection services India have transformed diagnostics by eliminating the need to visit crowded labs, travel long distances, or wait in queues. With rising chronic diseases, busy schedules, and mobility challenges, at-home testing has become one of India’s most widely used healthcare services.

SecondMedic offers professional, hygienic, and reliable home sample collection across multiple cities, ensuring timely diagnosis and expert-reviewed reports for people of all ages.

Why Home Sample Collection Is Growing in India

Several factors have fueled rapid adoption across the country:

1. Convenience for Busy Professionals

Working individuals prefer home testing due to limited time and long work hours.

2. Safety & Hygiene Post-Pandemic

People now choose contact-minimized diagnostic services.

3. Elderly & Mobility Support

Seniors or those with health restrictions benefit significantly.

4. Chronic Disease Monitoring

Patients with diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney disease, or heart conditions require frequent tests.

5. Increasing Preventive Health Awareness

More individuals are opting for annual full-body checkups and early-risk screenings.

6. Growing Digital Health Ecosystem

Platforms like SecondMedic have simplified booking, sample pickup, and digital reporting.

What Tests Can Be Done at Home?

SecondMedic provides home collection for a wide range of tests including:

1. Routine Blood Tests

CBC
ESR
Hemoglobin

2. Diabetes & Metabolic Panel

HbA1c
Fasting & PP glucose
Insulin levels

3. Thyroid Panel

TSH
T3
T4

4. Lipid Profile

Cholesterol
LDL & HDL
Triglycerides

5. Liver & Kidney Function Tests

LFT
KFT

6. Vitamin Panels

Vitamin D
Vitamin B12

7. Hormonal Tests

Testosterone
Estrogen
Cortisol

8. Cancer Screening Markers

PSA
CA-125
AFP
CEA

9. Infectious Disease Tests

Hepatitis
HIV
Dengue
Typhoid

10. Preventive Health Packages

Full-body and advanced diagnostic panels.

11. Urine & Stool Tests

For infections, kidney issues, and digestion-related concerns.

How Home Sample Collection Works with SecondMedic

1. Book Online

Choose tests or packages on SecondMedic.

2. Select Time Slot

Flexible scheduling ensures convenience.

3. Phlebotomist Visit

Certified professionals follow strict safety protocols.

4. Sample Transportation

Samples are sealed, stored, and transported under controlled conditions.

5. Lab Testing

Processing at NABL-accredited partner labs.

6. Digital Reports

Reports are delivered via mobile and reviewed by doctors.

7. Follow-Up Consultation

SecondMedic specialists interpret results and recommend next steps.

Benefits of Home Sample Collection

1. Saves Time

No travel, no waiting rooms.

2. Stress-Free for Seniors & Children

Comfortable environment reduces anxiety.

3. Hygienic & Safe

Home testing minimizes infection exposure.

4. Ideal for Corporate Employees

Fits into tight work schedules.

5. Improves Chronic Disease Management

Regular monitoring improves treatment outcomes.

6. Affordable

Many packages cost less than in-lab testing due to digital efficiency.

Who Should Use Home Sample Collection Services?

Elderly patients
People with mobility issues
Corporate professionals
Chronic disease patients
Post-surgery individuals
Parents with young children
Individuals preferring privacy and convenience

Why SecondMedic Stands Out

1. Certified & Experienced Phlebotomists

Trained in safe sample collection and disposal.

2. NABL-Certified Lab Partners

High-accuracy diagnostics.

3. Wide Range of Tests

From basic CBC to advanced cancer markers.

4. Fast Digital Reports

Easy mobile access for patients and families.

5. Integrated Doctor Consultation

Specialists interpret reports for better clarity.

6. Affordable Packages

Budget-friendly and comprehensive.

7. Available Across Multiple Cities

Expanding nationwide for proactive healthcare.

Future of Home Diagnostics in India

AI-based sample analysis
At-home portable diagnostic devices
Integrated digital health records under ABDM
Faster booking and tracking via healthcare apps
Advanced multi-disease home test kits

SecondMedic aims to lead India’s home diagnostics revolution by integrating next-generation technologies.

Conclusion

Home sample collection services India have revolutionized diagnostics by offering comfort, convenience, and safety. Whether for preventive health, chronic monitoring, or routine testing, at-home diagnostics provide a seamless experience. SecondMedic ensures reliable home testing backed by expert clinicians and high-quality labs.

To book home sample collection, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog – Telehealth and digital diagnostics
WHO – Home-based healthcare guidelines
Statista – Diagnostics market in India
ICMR – Clinical testing standards
SecondMedic diagnostic insights

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