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Archives of Pediatrics and Child Health

Archives of Pediatrics and Child Health

Research Article

COVID-19 vaccination. Putting messenger RNA vaccines into context: there should be no doubt that they are beneficial

Authors: Fernando Álvez


Abstract

Only a few years have passed since the onset of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has significantly lower activity and incidence. To address this current favorable epidemiological situation, the rapid development and widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines—particularly messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines—has played an undeniable role. Numerous studies have convincingly shown that the benefits achieved with these types of mRNA immunization in controlling infection and disease far outweigh the potential risks associated with the administered vaccines. Alongside this success during the pandemic, widespread misinformation has emerged and still persists today, reaching a broad segment of the general population. This misinformation, which is focused on the safety profile of these vaccines and amplified through various social media and digital platforms, generates unnecessary skepticism, reluctance, and a sense of uncertainty—even among healthcare professionals. The aim of this review is advocacy-oriented, providing accurate information about the reality of mRNA technology in preventing infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is here to stay, as well as its potential benefits in other infections and as a therapeutic approach for certain diseases. Despite these positive results, research continues to overcome certain limitations and achieve its full potential by improving factors such as increasing immunogenicity, prolonging the duration of humoral immunity, and inducing nasal mucosal immunity, all while ensuring the lowest possible reactogenicity. Transparent verification and communication regarding cited side effects and their rarity are also crucial to maintaining confidence in them. Strengthening medical and social trust in the face of inevitable misleading or false information about these vaccines—information not based on scientific data or evidence—is essential, as it can seriously harm individuals who rely on it when making decisions about their health.

Citation: Fernando Álvez. COVID-19 vaccination. Putting messenger RNA vaccines into context: there should be no doubt that they are beneficial. Arch Pediatr Child Health, 2026; 1(1), 01-11.