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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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Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff: Building Stronger Connections for Better Health

Healthcare outcomes are shaped not only by medical treatments but also by trust, communication and community engagement. As healthcare systems in India move toward preventive and patient-centric models, initiatives that foster meaningful interaction between patients and healthcare professionals are gaining importance. One such initiative is the Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff.

A field day creates a shared space where patients and healthcare teams interact beyond clinical settings. These interactions humanise healthcare, improve understanding and encourage long-term wellness practices.

Why Community Engagement Matters in Healthcare

Modern healthcare recognises that health is influenced by behaviour, awareness and social support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and NITI Aayog, community-based health engagement improves preventive care adoption and patient outcomes.

Field days help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients by:

encouraging open dialogue
reducing fear and hesitation
promoting shared responsibility for health

What Is a Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff?

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is a structured wellness initiative organised outside the routine clinical environment. It focuses on interaction, education and preventive health activities.

Typical elements include:

basic health screenings
lifestyle education sessions
fitness or relaxation activities
informal conversations with healthcare staff
family and caregiver participation

The aim is to create a supportive and approachable healthcare experience.

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

Consistency is key in behaviour change and preventive health.

Monthly field days:

reinforce health messages regularly
build familiarity and trust
allow continuous follow-up
keep wellness top of mind

According to public health studies, repeated engagement significantly improves health literacy and adherence.

Benefits for Patients

1. Improved Health Awareness

Patients gain better understanding of:

chronic disease management
preventive screenings
nutrition and lifestyle habits

Education in informal settings improves retention.

2. Increased Comfort with Healthcare Teams

Regular interaction reduces anxiety and hesitation around seeking medical care.

Patients are more likely to:

ask questions
follow medical advice
attend follow-ups

3. Early Risk Identification

Field days often include basic screenings that help detect:

high blood pressure
elevated blood sugar
obesity risk

Early identification enables timely intervention.

4. Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing

Social interaction and community activities reduce feelings of isolation, especially among elderly or chronically ill patients.

Benefits for Healthcare Staff

1. Better Understanding of Patient Needs

Direct interaction outside clinical settings helps staff understand patient challenges more holistically.

2. Improved Communication Skills

Informal engagement strengthens empathy and communication effectiveness.

3. Reduced Burnout

Positive patient interaction and community appreciation contribute to staff morale and job satisfaction.

WHO recognises staff wellbeing as a critical factor in healthcare quality.

Role of Field Days in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing disease burden before complications arise. Field days support prevention by:

promoting routine screenings
encouraging healthy lifestyle habits
addressing myths and misconceptions
reinforcing long-term care plans

NITI Aayog identifies community engagement as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare strategies.

Activities Commonly Included in Field Days

Health Screening Stations

Blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and basic assessments.

Wellness Education

Short talks on nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress.

Interactive Sessions

Q&A discussions with doctors, nurses and health educators.

Physical Activities

Group walks, yoga sessions or light exercises.

Family Engagement

Including caregivers improves adherence and support systems.

Impact on Chronic Disease Management

For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, regular engagement:

improves medication adherence
reinforces lifestyle modification
reduces emergency visits

Lancet studies highlight that community-based interventions improve chronic disease outcomes.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Field days foster trust by:

making healthcare providers approachable
encouraging open dialogue
demonstrating commitment to patient wellbeing

Trust improves treatment adherence and satisfaction.

Role of Data and Feedback

Feedback collected during field days helps healthcare organisations:

identify common concerns
refine wellness programs
personalise future interventions

Data-driven engagement enhances program effectiveness.

Long-Term Impact on Healthcare Outcomes

Organisations that invest in regular patient-staff engagement observe:

higher patient satisfaction
improved preventive screening rates
reduced disease complications
stronger community relationships

According to WHO, patient-centred care models improve health outcomes and system efficiency.

Why Field Days Are Especially Relevant in India

India’s diverse population faces challenges such as:

limited health literacy
delayed care-seeking
chronic disease burden

Community-based initiatives like field days address these challenges through education and trust-building.

Conclusion

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is more than a community event—it is a strategic preventive healthcare initiative. By fostering open communication, promoting health awareness and strengthening relationships, field days improve patient engagement and staff wellbeing alike. In a healthcare landscape increasingly focused on prevention and community trust, regular field days play a vital role in building healthier, more connected communities.

References

ICMR – Community Health and Preventive Care Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Health Awareness and Engagement Dat
NITI Aayog – Community-Based Preventive Healthcare Strategies
WHO – Patient-Centred Care and Community Health Guidelines
Lancet – Community Engagement and Health Outcome Studies
Statista – Healthcare Engagement and Preventive Care Trends India
EY-FICCI – Healthcare Workforce and Patient Engagement Reports

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