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Alwayssunnyinarizona t1_iwgu6nb wrote

Reply to comment by chamunks in An mRNA-based rabies vaccine induces strong protective immune responses in mice and dogs | Virology Journal by BlitzOrion

Lyssa, but yes. I'd have to do some research, but perhaps they're hoping for longer duration immunity with lower risk of side effects (there aren't many to begin with and immunity is pretty long-lived already).

The most vexing thing is that mRNA vaccines so far have needed very good cold chains. Most of the human cases of rabies, where the most benefit from vaccination would be, are in developing areas where cold chains are much less practical.

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chamunks t1_iwgv9pz wrote

Thanks for the correction on the name. I often post lazily in my barely conscious morning brain and get lazy.

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chamunks t1_iwgvhb0 wrote

I think I might love an elaboration if you had time. Cold chains is a new concept to me.

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Alwayssunnyinarizona t1_iwgza5w wrote

Sure! Remember during the COVID vaccine roll-out, the vaccines had to be kept frozen, and could only sit for 15-30min when removed from the freezer? It's been updated a bit based on field experience and trials, but you can find more info here.

Essentially, mRNA is fragile at room temp. It needs to be kept frozen or cold for long periods of storage. Developing areas won't necessarily have the equipment to keep the vaccines cold.

It's why the oral poliovaccine, which is stable at room temperature (though runs the risk of reverting to a virulent form of the poliovirus) is used so commonly in sub-Saharan Africa and India, whereas the rest of the world uses an inactivated poliovaccine that isn't as stable at room temperature.

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