> that we SHOULDN'T be taking because it alters our DNA?
No more than any virus.
DNA is in the cell nucleus. It's like the master set of building plans in the foreman's office.
RNA strands are made by transcribing the DNA and are sent out of the nucleus to do their work. These are like the disposable copies of specific sections that are given to the workmen. They get used for a while and then get tossed.
This vaccine sends in RNA blueprints for making parts of the virus, but not the whole thing. You body learns to recognize them without the risk of uncontrolled replication. The cells that are commandeered by this RNA will likely perish. But that's no different than what happens if they're invaded by a virus.