The COVID19 vaccination programme is at its pace in India and still people are confused about vaccination due to hesitancy, efficacy and side effects. At present, India is running its vaccination drive with two vaccines i.e. Covishield and Covaxin. Both vaccines are good as per the scientific data analyzed by the scientists. Recently, Government of India has started third phase of vaccination where vaccination is open for 18 plus population.
People are unaware about the efficacy of the vaccines and this is the reason they are confused to get any particular vaccine. Here in this article, we have provided crucial information about both Covishield and Covaxin including side effects, efficacy etc.
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Covishield vs Covaxin: Which one is better?
It is right of the citizens to know which vaccine is better for them. Here in this article we have compiled all the information about both the vaccines so that you can select better option to get vaccinated. We urge people to get vaccine as soon as possible and follow all the COVID appropriate behavior. Go through following information carefully:
Type of Vaccine
Covishield: It has been prepared using the viral vector platform. Using this platform, a chimpanzee adenovirus – ChAdOx1 – has been modified. Due to modification, it can carry the COVID19 spike protein into the human cells. The spike protein triggers the immune response to prepare a mechanism against COVID19 virus. It is important to inform you that this cold virus is incapable of infecting the humans,
Earlier, the same technology was used to make vaccines against Ebola virus.
Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine. It is developed with Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology.
In this technology, the vaccine contains inactivated viruses which also teach the immune system to prepare the human body against the active virus. These inactivated viruses cannot infect humans.
This technology of vaccine preparation is very old and various vaccines were prepared using this technology. Some of the major diseases are as below for which vaccines were prepared using this technology:
- Japanese encephalitis
- Polio
- Rabies
- Pertussis, and
- Seasonal influenza
Vaccine Manufacturer
Covishield vaccine is being produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) and exporting to several nations under Vaccine diplomacy. However, the vaccine is originally developed by the Oxford-Astra Zeneca.
Covaxin is an Indian vaccine which is jointly developed by the Bharat Biotech International Ltd., Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Storage Policy
It is mandatory to maintain 2 to 8 degree centigrade temperature for storing both the vaccines. A household refrigerator can be used to store these vaccines which make them practical and easy to transport and it suits Indian conditions.
Efficacy Rate
As per the data, both vaccines have given satisfactory result in terms of protection and efficacy.
The efficacy rate of the Covaxin and Covishield is nearly 81% and 90% respectively as per the analysis of data.
Vaccines Doses
Doses for both the vaccines are same. The dose of 0.5 ml is given in arm region. However, there is a difference of schedule of both vaccines between first and second dose. Covishield vaccines’ two doses are given within the gap of 84 days or 12 to 16 weeks which make it more efficient.
Similarly, Covaxin has 4 to 6 weeks gap in first and second dose. People should follow these guidelines and should get vaccine as per the given rules.
Side effects of these vaccines
After getting vaccine dose, people may face fever, headache and pain at the site of injection. People also complain about joint pain, vomiting and dizziness etc. However, there is no big issue, these symptoms are temporary for one or two days only. Vaccines are safe and secure which are life-saving during this pandemic.
Price of the Vaccine
The Government of India has announced free vaccination to the general public and under this initiative vaccine will be provided to State Governments. Central Government will bear the entire cost of vaccination programme. Private hospitals are granted permission to vaccinate people but they cannot take service charge above Rs.150/-
Covishield vs Covaxin: Differences
| COVISHIELD | COVAXIN |
| There is gap of 12 to 16 weeks between two doses of Covishield. | Covaxin has gap of 4 to 6 weeks between two doses. |
| People above 18 years can get this vaccine. | 18+ can get this vaccine |
| After getting two doses, the efficacy of this vaccine can vary from 70 to 90%. | After two doses, it shows efficacy of 78 to 95% as per the study. |
| Dose of 0.5 ml is given. | The dose is same for both vaccines. |
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Side effects may include fever, pain at the site of injection and fatigue etc. |
Side effects of Covaxin are less in comparison to Covishield. However, similar side effect may happen. |
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At present most of the people are getting Covishield doses because Serum Institute of India has larger production facility. |
There is a shortage Covaxin as Bharat Biotech has limited resources. However, they are increasing their capability to produce more vaccines. |
| People above 18 years of age can get this vaccine. |
This vaccine is also for 18 years and above age people. However, vaccine trials on children in the age group of 2 to 18 years have been started in the country. |
COVID19 Vaccine: Latest Update and Guidelines
- At least 23 crore people have been vaccinated in India so far. The vaccine drive is going and Government of India is trying to speed up vaccination to protect people from third wave of the corona.
- Vaccine trials on children also started in India and in coming days we may get some good news for children vaccination.
- At present, Indian vaccination programme is running with two vaccines i.e. Covishield and Covaxin. However, more vaccines are in the pipeline and soon we will get some more vaccine which will definitely help in fight against this pandemic.
- Virus is mutating rapidly and so there are numerous mutation held so far. Vaccine is the only protection from the deadly virus.
- Russian vaccine Sputnik V has also given authorization for emergency use in India.
- Covishield is 90% and Covaxin is 81% effective as per the recent study of data. Russian vaccine Sputnik is more effective with 91.6% as per the global reports.
- Sputnik V is the third vaccine in India which will help India to get more people vaccinated.
- After taking two doses of Covishield and Covaxin, the risk of contracting COVID19 is minuscule. As per the study, only 0.03% of people tested positive after 2nd dose of Covishield and 0.04% caught COVID after the 2nd dose of Covaxin.
Disclaimer: The information provided here in this article is for educational purposes only. In case of COVID positive, everyone must consult their doctors to take proper treatment. We urge all of you to get vaccine whenever possible to contribute in the fights against this pandemic. Everyone is in risk until we all are safe. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines.