Interesting facts on Covishield and Covaxin
The much-awaited moment has finally come! The only prayer in the year 2020 was to find a vaccine for Coronavirus.
India has finally granted emergency approval to Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN on 3rd Jan’2021.
The Drug Controller General of India declared the news and the same was hailed by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an achievement in the self-reliance push of our country.
Looking for Covid hospitals in Vadodara? Contact Pranayama Lung and Heart Institute of Vadodara.
Comparing the Two Vaccines: Covishield v/s Covaxin
India is the second most affected country by the Coronavirus. Although we had found treatment for Covid - 19, we all were waiting for the vaccine. Now after waiting for two months, India has received approval for two homegrown Covid vaccines on an emergency basis. The two vaccines are named Covishield and Covaxin.
Vaccine makers have promised the supply doses as most states have already practised a dry run test. The news is that the vaccine might be given as early as next week.
Will the Vaccination start in India anytime soon? Yes. Not only has more than one vaccination given the green signal to use, but the availability of both these affordable and innovative vaccine will be helpful in the first wave of vaccination. The first wave of vaccination is for healthcare and essential workers. 2020 has begun on a happy note, but there are so many counter-arguments regarding this homegrown vaccine.Read the blog to know everything about the homegrown vaccines.
How has the Approval for Homegrown Vaccine been Granted? Seeing the crisis condition at large, both the vaccines have been given approval on an emergency basis in a fashion that has been followed by other countries as well. Dr Rahul Pandit, Director-Critical Care, Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai & Member of Maharashtra’s COVID-19 task force, said that “The approvals are absolutely safe and taken in the interest of the people's well-being."
”The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has formally approved Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and the Serum Institute of India's Covishield for restricted use in the country. The approval by the DCGI was given on the basis of recommendations submitted by a COVID-19 Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This is a big progressive step in the journey towards making India COVID-19 free."
History behind Homegrown Vaccine? Covishield was initially developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca, but the same has been produced and marketed in the name of ‘Covishield’ by Serum Institute of India, which is a Pune-based vaccine conglomerate.
In India, phase 2 and 3 of the Covid testing was conducted across 17 centres, with the last testing wrapped in December.
Whereas, Covaxin is made by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and is fully developed and produced in India.
Do You Know? Covaxin is the fastest Covid vaccine to have been approved. After having secured the early clinical nods, it is headed for trials in July and has also received emergency use authorisation after the end of phase 2 trials. The phase 2 trials were conducted all over India, and there was a lot of participation from the masses.
What are the Modes of Development? The Indian homegrown vaccines are traditional in approach. Covishield uses a viral vector which is made a weakened strain of a common cold virus (adenovirus). It contains genetic material which is similar to SARS -COV-2. When administered, our body's defences identify the spike protein and prepares antibodies to elude out the infection. In the same way, Covaxin is made with the inactive version of the virus, i.e., the vaccine deactivates the virus's capability to replicate but withstands its life such that the immune system could mount an adequate response when it comes in contact or identifies an attack on the body anytime in the future. This technique is used by a lot of vaccine makers in the past. From years, this technique is used to fight out viruses and pathogens. So, we have an assurance that Covaxin will be a safer and reliable vaccine.
How Effective is the Vaccine? Both Covaxin and Covishield have shown great results in comprehensive clinical trials. According to the latest observational studies, both the vaccines are very effective. As of now, there is no information or data available for Covaxin. Whereas, a two-dose regime has a promising efficacy rate, ‘Covishield’ vaccine is at least 70.42 % effective. However, Covaxin is still in its third stage, which involves more than 22,0000 candidates, and more data is anticipated in the coming days. According to the principal investigators, the homegrown Covaxin is found to be very effective, spikes antidotes, and fulfils the main purpose of vaccination against Coronavirus.
What can be the Side Effects of the Vaccine? With certain unpleasant side-effects of the international Coronavirus vaccine emerging, people are afraid of getting the vaccine. Many people have reported allergies as well as adverse reactions.
Indian medical authorities have claimed that both the homegrown vaccine are safer and side-effects free.
Dr Pandit, added, “The vaccines have been certified 100% safe, however, some side effects like mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine, so do not worry and get your vaccine shot. Most importantly, do not believe in rumours; if in doubt, talk to your doctor."
Speak with an expert yourself to clear your head about the vaccines, Covid 19 treatment, and Covid-19 hospitals.
How Much will the Vaccine Cost? India is an edge above with the recent development, and it also paves the way for affordable and economical vaccines to be made available. The authorities have already announced free vaccines for priority groups in the 1st phase along with this both the vaccines are cheaper as compared to the competitor’s vaccine.
Experts says that one shot of Covishield will cost around Rs 250 – 400 or cheaper if collaborated with COVAX, whereas Bharat Biotech's vaccine will cost lesser than Rs 200. There is no word yet regarding the cost of Covaxin. Both the homegrown vaccines are manufactured in India and do not even require special storage; thus, the cost can further come down based on the vaccination schedule and needs.
India has really made great development, and we all should feel proud and happy that now we all can get the vaccine real soon.
Cutting a long story short, after reading the blog, we are sure that all your doubts are clear. In case you still have any questions please do not believe rumours. Get in touch with us, Pranayam Lung and Heart Hospital
We have special wards for Coronavirus treatment. We are one of the best hospitals for the treatment of Covid-19 in Vadodara. We even give counselling as a part of Coronavirus treatment as well as to the family members of the patients.
In case you or your family members have any symptoms for Coronavirus, do not delay. Reach out to us and get your check-up done immediately.
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