• Published on: Jan 20, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccines – Uses Beyond COVID

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mRNA vaccines – uses beyond COVID

Last year we estimated it would take over a year for a vaccine against COVID to be approved, with vaccinations expected by spring 2021. Incredibly we have managed to meet this prediction, and by the start of January over 42 million doses have been administered in 51 countries. What is even more astounding is that two of the approved vaccines use a completely new vaccination method never used before. mRNA vaccines can be used to easily deliver a variety of different vaccines by changing the mRNA inside the vaccine capsule, and its benefits may not be limited to just infections.

A recent publication in NATURE has demonstrated the use of mRNA vaccines against auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune condition in which the protective lining of nerves is destroyed by the body’s immune system, significantly slowing down or altering nerve impulse propagation. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, aberrant pain, muscle spasms and weakness.

The study looked at introducing antigen-specific tolerance in mice models of MS. This was achieved by activating anti-inflammatory white blood cells. Normally vaccines activate inflammatory white cells to produce a response but altered mRNA with one specific change to its base structure induces and activates anti-inflammatory cells instead.

Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory response is specific to cells that are activated by and attack the body’s nerve cells, thereby delivering a targeted response and not affecting the immune response against infections or cancer. Global immunosuppression is a common side effect of steroids and chemotherapy agents that are normally used to treat auto-immune conditions, and mRNA vaccines may avoid this side effect altogether.

A further advantage is its versatility. This has been demonstrated against multiple sclerosis, but changing the mRNA delivered by the vaccine, it may prove beneficial in far more auto-immune conditions. Of course, we have to emphasize this was an animal study and human trials are unlikely to happen in the next few years, but this study nicely demonstrates how the impact of the COVID pandemic may already be providing beneficial gains for the future.

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Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter: India’s Trusted Source for Preventive Wellness Insights

Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter: India’s Trusted Source for Preventive Wellness Insights

Health information today is abundant, but not always reliable. With countless articles, social media trends, home remedies and conflicting opinions, individuals often struggle to separate credible medical advice from misinformation. This challenge becomes especially significant in India, where rising lifestyle diseases, nutritional gaps and limited public health awareness create a pressing need for accurate guidance.

The Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter by SecondMedic addresses this gap by offering a clear, expert-driven and accessible summary of everything people need to know about their health each week. Designed for families, patients, caregivers and wellness-focused readers, it transforms medical updates into practical, everyday insights.

 

Why India Needs a Weekly Health Roundup

1. Growing Lifestyle Disease Burden

ICMR and NFHS-5 highlight significant increases in:

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Obesity

  • PCOS
     

A weekly educational resource empowers individuals to make preventive choices before complications arise.

2. Overload of Health Information

Millions of Indians rely on social media for health advice, leading to confusion and misinformation.
A curated newsletter ensures accuracy.

3. Rising Interest in Preventive Healthcare

People want to understand their bodies better, track health metrics and adopt healthier lifestyles.
The newsletter provides guidance supported by medical evidence.

4. Technological Growth in Healthcare

AI-based tools, wearables and digital monitoring are reshaping healthcare.
Readers learn how to use them effectively.

 

What the Weekly Health Roundup Covers

• Medical Research Summaries

Digestible versions of new findings from:

  • ICMR

  • WHO

  • Lancet

  • NITI Aayog

  • Global medical journals
     

• Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance

Includes:

  • Balanced diets

  • Myth-busting

  • Portion control

  • Affordable nutrition ideas for Indian households
     

• Chronic Disease Management Tips

Expert insights on:

  • Diabetes control

  • Heart health

  • Blood pressure

  • Hormonal disorders
     

• Mental Wellbeing

Stress reduction, emotional resilience and sleep optimisation tips.

• Fitness Recommendations

Simple routines, mobility tips, strength guidance and step-based activity recommendations.

• Seasonal Health Alerts

Information on:

  • Pollution

  • Heatwaves

  • Monsoon infections

  • Viral outbreaks
     

• Digital Health Education

Guidance on:

  • AI health tools

  • Wearable devices

  • Teleconsultation benefits

  • Remote monitoring
     

 

How SecondMedic Ensures Accuracy and Quality

Expert Verification

Doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists and mental health specialists review every issue.

Evidence-Based Approach

Content uses:

  • Peer-reviewed studies

  • Real-world health data

  • National and global guidelines
     

Personalised Relevance

Topics are selected based on what Indian families most commonly search, ask or struggle with.

Preventive Care Focus

Instead of addressing illness alone, the newsletter promotes long-term lifestyle improvement.

 

How Readers Benefit

1. Improved Health Literacy

People understand conditions earlier and seek help at the right time.

2. Practical, Actionable Advice

The newsletter offers:

  • Simple diet swaps

  • Daily routine tips

  • Easy-to-follow health habits
     

3. Early Detection Support

By recognizing symptoms and risk patterns, individuals can prevent complications.

4. Better Use of Digital Tools

Readers learn how AI health guides and wearables support monitoring and early intervention.

5. Family-Centered Wellness

Content is relevant to:

  • Children

  • Working adults

  • Elderly individuals

  • Chronic disease patients
     

 

Example Weekly Topics

A sample edition may include:

  • "New Findings on Vitamin D Deficiency in Indian Adults"

  • "How to Interpret Your Blood Sugar Patterns"

  • "5 AI Tools That Improve Home Health Monitoring"

  • "Early Signs of Heart Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore"

  • "Preventive Care Checklist for Busy Professionals"
     

 

Conclusion

The Weekly Health Roundup Newsletter is more than just a health update-it is a practical wellness companion. With expert insights, scientific clarity and personalised relevance, it empowers people across India to make smarter health decisions every week.

By turning complex medical knowledge into everyday guidance, SecondMedic strengthens India’s preventive healthcare movement one newsletter at a time.

 

References

• ICMR - Lifestyle Disease Burden & Research Updates
• NFHS-5 - National Health Indicators & Wellness Trends
• NITI Aayog - Digital Health & Preventive Care Framework
• WHO - Global Wellness & Preventive Healthcare Guidelines
• Lancet - Public Health Research & Behaviour Studies
• Statista India - Digital Health Usage & Reader Behaviour
• EY-FICCI - Health Awareness & Preventive Care Landscape

See all

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