Covishield vs Covaxin is two of the COVID-19 vaccines currently being administered in India. Both vaccines have been developed and manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical companies, but some key differences exist in their development and production.
Covishield, also known as the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, is developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca. The vaccine uses a viral vector platform, which utilises a harmless virus to deliver the genetic material that instructs cells to produce the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The vaccine is being manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest producer of vaccines. SII has manufactured over 100 million doses of the vaccine to date.
On the other hand, Covaxin is an indigenous vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). Unlike Covishield, Covaxin is based on an inactivated virus platform, which uses a killed version of the virus to provoke an immune response. The vaccine has undergone phase 3 clinical trials in India, and the results have shown an efficacy rate of 81%. Bharat Biotech has manufactured over 50 million doses of Covaxin to date.
Covishield vs Covaxin are two of the COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use in several countries. They have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, but like all vaccines, they can cause side effects.
Common side effects of Covishield include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter medications. For example, if you experience pain and swelling at the injection site, you can apply a cold compress to the area to reduce inflammation. If you have a fever, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower your temperature.
In rare cases, some people may experience more severe reactions, such as an allergic reaction. This can manifest as hives, itching, swelling of the face and throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Similarly, Covaxin has side effects similar to Covishield, but some people may experience more severe reactions, such as an allergic reaction. These extreme reactions are also rare, occurring in less than 1% of people who receive the vaccine.
The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is much greater than the risk of side effects from the vaccine. The vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. They have been administered to millions of people worldwide and have been proven safe and effective for most people.
If you have any concerns about the vaccine or the side effects, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can provide accurate information and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to receive the vaccine.
The efficacy of Covishield is around 70-90% depending on the dosage regimen. In a subgroup analysis of phase 3 clinical trial, the vaccine was found to be 90% effective when administered as a half-dose followed by a full-dose and 62% effective when administered as two total doses. The vaccine has been authorised for emergency use in more than 150 countries worldwide.
Covaxin's phase 3 clinical trial results have shown an efficacy rate of 81%. The vaccine has been authorised for emergency use in India and is safe and well-tolerated.
Cost is one of the critical factors that determine the accessibility and affordability of a vaccine. In the case of Covishield vs Covaxin, the two vaccines currently being used in India to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a significant difference in the pricing of the two vaccines.
Covishield, which the Serum Institute of India developed in India, is priced at around Rs. 400 per dose. On the other hand, Covaxin, which Bharat Biotech develops, is priced at around Rs. 600 per dose. This makes Covishield more affordable to a larger section of the population, especially to those who may need more financial means to afford the more expensive Covaxin.
The pricing of the vaccines is not the only determining factor when it comes to accessibility and affordability. Other factors, such as distribution, logistics, and availability, also play a significant role.
Furthermore, the Indian Government has taken several steps to ensure that the vaccines are made available to all eligible citizens, regardless of their financial status. For example, the government has launched the "Co-WIN" platform, which allows citizens to register for the vaccine and track the availability of doses in theirs. The government has also announced that the vaccines will be provided free of cost to certain vulnerable groups such as healthcare workers and frontline workers.
Age is a factor that is considered when determining the safety and efficacy of a vaccine. The age range for which a vaccine is approved for use is determined through clinical trials. The vaccine is tested on a specific population to assess its safety and efficacy.
In the case of Covishield vs Covaxin, both vaccines have been approved for use in individuals above 18 years of age. This means that the vaccines have been clinically tested and found safe and effective for individuals within this age range. The approval for use in a specific age range does not necessarily mean that the vaccine cannot be used in other age groups. Additional studies may be conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of a vaccine in different age groups.
In addition, as the vaccines are still new, it's also possible that more information will be gathered and the approved age range will be expanded. Both Covishield and Covaxin are mRNA vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection. Both vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been authorised for emergency use by regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Both Covishield vs Covaxin are safe and effective vaccines. The choice of which vaccine to take should be based on the availability of the vaccine and the individual's preference.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine not be used in people under 60 due to the risk of rare blood clots. However, many countries, including India, have yet to adopt this recommendation and are administering the vaccine to people above 18.
It is also worth noting that both Covishield vs Covaxin are authorised for emergency use, and more research is needed to determine these vaccines' long-term safety and effectiveness.
The main difference between Covishield and Covaxin is the type of technology used in their development. Covishield is based on the adenovirus vector platform, whereas Covaxin is based on an inactivated virus platform. Additionally, Covishield is a single-dose regimen, whereas Covaxin requires two doses.
Covishield's single-dose regimen is advantageous as it simplifies the vaccination process and reduces the number of visits required to complete the vaccination. However, Covaxin's two-dose regimen may provide more robust and longer-lasting immunity.
Another difference between the two vaccines is their storage and transportation requirements. Covishield can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures (2-8°C) for up to six months, making it easier to transport and distribute in areas with limited cold storage facilities. Covaxin, on the other hand, requires ultra-cold storage (-20°C) and has a shelf life of six months.
In conclusion, both Covishield and Covaxin effectively prevent COVID-19 and have a similar safety profile. The choice of which vaccine to take should be based on the availability of the vaccine and the individual's preference.
Consult with a healthcare professional before taking any vaccine. Both vaccines have been authorised for emergency use, and it is expected that detailed data will come out after the vaccine recipients' long-term follow-up, which will give the exact information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
How do I choose the best vaccine for me?
In India, the government has authorised several COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, including Covishield (the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India), Covaxin (developed by Bharat Biotech), and Sputnik V (developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia).
The Indian government has prioritised certain groups for vaccination, including healthcare workers, people over the age of 60, and those with underlying medical conditions. However, the vaccine distribution and priority groups are subject to change based on the availability of vaccines and the evolving situation of the pandemic.
Which covid vaccine is more effective?
Covishield and Covaxin are both COVID-19 vaccines authorised for emergency use in India. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, but their efficacy rates may differ.
Covishield, the Indian version of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, has an overall efficacy rate of around 70-90% per the clinical trials. The efficacy rate for Covaxin is also about 80-90%, as per the clinical trials.
The efficacy numbers are based on the clinical trials, and the real-world efficacy may differ slightly. Additionally, the efficacy rate is just one factor when choosing a vaccine. Other essential elements include safety, side effects, and availability.