Covaxin, an inactivated vaccine, uses older technology comparable to the inactivated polio vaccine. The National Institute of Virology in India first isolated a sample of SARS-CoV-2 and employed vero cells to produce a significant amount of the virus. They immerse the virus in beta-propiolactone (BPL), which inactivates the viruses by attaching to their genes while leaving the other viral particles unharmed. The resulting inactivated viruses combine with the adjuvant Alhydroxiquim-II, which has an aluminium base.
The creation of vaccine candidates is possible using the internal vero cell manufacturing platform of Bharat Biotech, which has the potential to create around 300 million doses. The business is now constructing a second plant at its Genome Valley manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce Covaxin. To start making Covaxin by June 2022, the company is building a new facility in the Odisha Biotech Park in Bhubaneswar in conjunction with the government of Odisha.
The SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein encodes into the recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector, Covisheild. It expresses some of the coronavirus’ genetic material upon delivery, inducing an immunological response. For cowin booking, download the Eka Care app. The app will help you to book your slots for vaccination.
Covaxin
Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech, an Indian biotechnology company, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The vaccine is designed to provide immunity against COVID-19 by using dead virus particles to stimulate an immune response in the body. Covaxin has undergone clinical trials in India and has been granted emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for use in adults. The vaccine has shown promising results regarding safety and efficacy in clinical trials and is being used as part of India’s vaccination drive against COVID-19.
Covishield
Covishield is a viral vector vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). The vaccine is designed to provide immunity against COVID-19 by using a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) to deliver genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, into the body. This triggers an immune response that can protect against COVID-19. Covishield has been granted emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and is being used as part of India’s vaccination drive against COVID-19. The vaccine has shown promising results regarding safety and efficacy in clinical trials and is being used in many countries worldwide.
Difference between Covaxin and Covishield
Both the Covaxin and Covishield vaccines help stop the spread of the coronavirus, and both give the body the antibodies and defences it needs to combat the coronavirus. Although they are both vaccines and serve the same function, they are different from one another in several ways, as will be explained below.
When a virus attacks the body, the immune system produces antibodies to combat the virus and protect the body. Creating antibodies to enable the immune system to combat viruses is another ultimate purpose of vaccinations.
- The COVID vaccine Covishield has higher side effects than the Covaxin immunization for Corona. Furthermore, the adverse effects are more severe, including fever, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Covishield can also cause blood clots in 1 in 100,000 cases, which is extremely uncommon.
- The time between the first and second dosages is 12 to 16 weeks for Covisheild.
- There is a 4-6 week gap between the two covaxin dosages.
- After the second dose of Covisheild, efficacy can range from 70 to 90%.
- After the second dosage of covaxin, this vaccination may be 78–95% effective.
- Everyone above the age of 18 may choose to receive the Covisheild vaccination.
- Anyone older than 18 years can receive a covaxin injection of this vaccination.
Who needs the vaccination?
When you receive a vaccination, your immune system responds like an actual virus. It recognizes the bacterium in the vaccine as being foreign. Similar to how the natural germ reacts by producing antibodies against the germ in the vaccination. An infectious disease will spread less when enough people are immune to it.
Through this, we can achieve “community immunity” (sometimes known as “herd immunity”). In this way, vaccinations shield those who are susceptible to illness. The COVID-19 vaccination is not compulsory for everyone. To protect themselves from this illness and prevent the sickness from spreading to close contacts, including family, friends, relatives, and coworkers, they must receive COVID-19 vaccines.
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Prevents serious illness:
The COVID-19 vaccine prevents people from becoming seriously ill, needing hospitalization, and passing away.
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A safer method of constructing defence:
The vaccination against COVID-19 is a safer and more dependable strategy to increase immunity than becoming ill with COVID-19.
- The COVID-19 vaccination can provide additional protection to those who have already contracted the disease, including defence against being admitted to the hospital with a new infection.
Additional Information regarding Covaxin and Covishield
In India, people received over 1491 million doses of the COVID vaccination. More than 620 million people got full immunization after receiving two doses of the vaccine.
According to top health officials in India, both Covaxin and Covishield are effective against the modified UK/South Africa/Brazil virus. The Sputnik V vaccination has received approval for emergency use in India, and Dr Reddy’s Labs will develop the Russian vaccine in India. A recent study showed no evidence of Sputnik V-related severe allergies.
India will manufacture the Sputnik V vaccine, producing 850 million doses annually.
Conclusion
Sputnik V outperforms Covishield and Covaxin in terms of effectiveness, with 91.6% effectiveness compared to Covishield’s approximately 90% (global reports) and Covaxin’s 81% effectiveness (interim 3rd phase trial results). Covaxin’s monthly output will rise to 12 million doses thanks to Bharat Biotech. With the Eka Care app, booking your vaccination slots has become easier. Get your cowin vaccinator app login ID from the app.