UBC-Led Lancet Review Confirms mRNA Vaccines Work After Billions of Doses
Updated
Updated · UBC News · Jun 26
UBC-Led Lancet Review Confirms mRNA Vaccines Work After Billions of Doses
2 articles · Updated · UBC News · Jun 26
Summary
A Lancet review led by University of British Columbia researchers found mRNA vaccines remain safe and highly effective after billions of doses worldwide, drawing on lab studies, clinical trials and real-world monitoring.
Serious side effects such as myocarditis were identified as rare, the authors said, and the risks were consistently outweighed by protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death.
The review said protection held across children, pregnant people and immunocompromised patients, while booster doses and updated formulations helped sustain efficacy as variants emerged.
Researchers also said mRNA does not alter DNA and is quickly cleared from the body, arguing that transparent safety communication is needed to counter misinformation and improve trust.
Beyond COVID-19, the paper points to influenza, RSV, cancer and autoimmune applications, while calling for more manufacturing investment and better access in low- and middle-income countries.
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mRNA Vaccines 2025–2026: Policy Shifts, Public Trust, Global Equity, and Expanding Medical Frontiers
Overview
From late 2025 to mid-2026, the US saw major policy changes as the Trump administration canceled over $1.2 billion in mRNA vaccine contracts and grants, including a $766 million deal with Moderna for pandemic flu vaccines. These actions, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were justified by concerns over the efficacy and safety of mRNA platforms. The cancellations sparked strong reactions, with critics of mRNA technology welcoming the move, while many public health experts expressed alarm. This period highlighted the ongoing struggle to maintain public trust and the importance of clear, credible communication about vaccine safety and effectiveness.