Covishield vs. Covaxin: A Comprehensive Comparison
The world has been battling a deadly virus for well over a year now. What started as an internally “Chinese” virus has made its way into virtually every nook and corner of the globe. The wildfire-like transmission of the virus has made it unconquerable to control, with absolutely no regard for human life. Scientists and researchers worldwide have directed their efforts toward relentlessly finding a cure for the COVID-19 virus. A sigh of relief was brought about for all humankind when India’s very own SII (Serum Institute of India) CEO Mr. Adar Poonawalla announced that the SII, in synergy with Oxford-AstraZeneca, is manufacturing the Covishield vaccine, while Covaxin has been developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Let us break down some key points about both vaccines, focusing on their type, efficacy, and safety.
Type of Vaccine
Covishield
The Covishield vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (an “adenovirus”) from chimpanzees. It has been modified to resemble the Coronavirus. When administered, the immune system is prompted to produce antibodies, which then attack any coronavirus infection that may occur after the dose.
Covaxin
Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it is made using killed Coronaviruses. This makes it safe for injection into the human body. Similar to Covishield, after administration, immune cells can recognize the dead virus, signaling the immune system to produce antibodies to combat the virus.
Efficacy
Covishield
International clinical trials conducted by AstraZeneca for Covishield showed that administering a half dose followed by a full dose resulted in an effectiveness rate of up to 90%. Unpublished data suggests that a longer gap between the two doses can boost overall effectiveness. In a subgroup study, it was found to be 70% effective after the first dose.
Covaxin
According to a report by Bharat Biotech, interim analysis from the Phase III trial of Covaxin indicated a 100% effectiveness against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to a significant drop in hospitalizations.
Safety, Side Effects & Mode of Administration
Covishield & Covaxin have both been proven effective and safe. Both vaccines are intramuscular, meaning they should be administered into a muscle. Minor side effects are common with any vaccination. Here are some typical side effects observed post-vaccination for both vaccines:
- Pain & tenderness at the injection site.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Myalgia – Muscle Pain (Covishield induced)
- Malaise – Generalized Weakness (Covishield induced)
- Pyrexia – Fever (Covishield induced)
- Nausea
- Body ache
- Sweating
- Tremors (Covaxin induced)
Common FAQs
Who should not take the vaccine?
– Individuals with allergic reactions/anaphylaxis (immediate or delayed) to vaccines, food items, pharmaceutical products, injectables, etc.
– Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to a previous dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
– Women who are pregnant (including those unsure of their pregnancy) and breastfeeding women.
Latest Updates on the Vaccines
- As of May 5th, 2021, over 16.04 Crore vaccinations have been administered.
- Of the total vaccinations, 81% are recipients of their first dose, while 19% have received the second dose.
- Total recoveries in India are now over 1.69 Crore with a recovery rate of 82%.
- Currently, there are 115 candidate vaccines (as of May 10th, 2021).
- There are 33 candidate vaccines in Stage 3 clinical trials (as of May 10th, 2021).
- Sputnik V is the third vaccine India cleared for use after Serum Institute of India (SII)’s Covishield & Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.
- India will produce 850 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine every year.
- Top health officials in India have stated that both Covaxin and Covishield are effective against the mutated strains of the virus from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil.
Takeaway
- Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine.
- Covishield is based on a Chimpanzee adenovirus.
- Both vaccines are harmless with minor side effects.
- Both vaccines have been proven effective.
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