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Covid Vaccine: Covishield VS Covaxin
(Last Updated On: March 13, 2021)
As we approach summer, the Covid-19 vaccine has become a major topic of discussion. The entire world is waiting to get vaccinated so that they can roam freely without the fear of catching a virus. There have been quite a few developments in the past few months which resulted in the formation of two Indian vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin. With the on-going vaccine run, people have a lot of questions regarding these vaccines – What are the side-effects? What is the cost for the same? Are they safe for senior-citizens? What safety precautions should be taken post the vaccination?
We hope you find some of these answers through this article:
Covishield is a collaborative product of Oxford University and the British Pharmaceutical company – AstraZeneca. This formula was bought by the Indian pharmaceutical giant – Serum Institute of India – the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. After conducting 3 phases of clinical trials, the Serum Institute of India announced Covisheild – a vaccine against the ongoing Coronavirus with the vaccine showing a 62% efficacy rate in humans.
Covaxin, on the other hand, is a collaborative product developed by Bharat Biotech – a Hyderabad based Indian Biotechnology company and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). This formula is Indian and after completing its 3 rounds of clinical trials, this vaccine has won global laurels as it has shown a whopping 81% efficacy rate in humans. This vaccine got a nod from the government even before the company finished the 3rd phase of trials. The officials responsible for the same have cleared that the decision was backed by a ‘sound scientific process and logic’.
According to the government, both vaccines are safe to use, but there are some associated side-effects as with any other vaccine. SII and Bharat Biotech have also put out the list of possible side-effects of Covishield and Covaxin on their respective websites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin to encourage more registration for the on-going vaccination drive.
Who should not take Covaxin?
People with a history of severe allergies, bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners, immune-compromised, on a medication that affects the immune system, pregnant, breastfeeding, or any other serious health-related issues, as determined by the vaccinator/officer supervising vaccination, must not take Covaxin. People who have taken another anti-Covid vaccine should not opt for Covaxin.
Who should not take Covishield?
The fact sheet published by SII stated that one should not get the Covishield vaccine if the person had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine. Like Bharat Biotech, the SII fact sheet also says that if a person is pregnant or plans to become pregnant or is breastfeeding they should tell the healthcare provider before taking the jab. People who have taken another anti-Covid vaccine should not take Covishield.
The ingredients of the Covishield vaccine are “L-Histidine, L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Polysorbate 80, Ethanol, Sucrose, Sodium chloride, Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA), Water for injection,” the factsheet pointed out.
Both covid vaccines are being distributed for free at government hospitals and private facilities are charging a minimum fee of Rs. 250 for the same. These vaccines, however, are not authorized for market distribution yet.
However, it is very important that you continue to wear your mask. These vaccines are meant to curb the spread of the virus and not kill the virus itself. It is important that you maintain safety in all regards – be it personal hygiene or your diet. Keep washing your hands regularly and avoid unnecessary trips. Unless we become proactive and take responsibility for our actions, we won’t be able to overcome this deadly pandemic.
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