The COVID-19 vaccine works by introducing genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA). In the body, mRNA is a natural and essential material used to transmit coded DNA information to another cell structure, ribosomes, that will read the codes to create proteins necessary for living and daily functioning. In COVID-19, spike proteins are used to attach to healthy host cells. Once the COVID-19 Virus has adhered, it injects its viral RNA and uses the host's ribosomes to produce viral proteins. This process continues, and the host cells' resources and structures are used to replicate the virus.   With the COVID-19 vaccine, injected mRNA contains only a specific genetic code for the spike protein seen on the virus. Once injected into the body, the mRNA will be read by ribosomes to create some spike proteins, which are harmless on their own. The host's antibodies will recognize the spike protein as foreign and attack. The immune system will then store memory of the viral properties. This means if you ever contact it again, your body will already know what to do, and the immune defense will be faster and stronger than it would be without the vaccine. This process is termed the adaptive immune response.