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Coronaviruses

Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccines: Covishield and Covaxin

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dr. Gitali Bhagawati, a consultant and head of the Department of Microbiology and Infection Control at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, emphasizes the importance of mass vaccination and compliance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. Two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are currently administered in India to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • Covishield, a Recombinant Chimpanzee Adenovirus vector vaccine, has a claimed efficacy of approximately 73% and induces antibody reaction against the spike S1 fragment, production of SARS-CoV neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell proliferation against the N protein.
  • Covaxin, a Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine, has an estimated efficacy rate of 78% against mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease and is effective in neutralizing SARS-Cov-2 variants: B.1.1.7 (UK variant), B.1.1.28 (Brazil variant), and Double mutant variant B.1.617.
  • Vaccination does not give immediate immunity against COVID-19, and adequate immunity develops only after a few weeks of the second dose of vaccination.
  • Vaccination does not rule out the possibility of COVID infection, but it can reduce the severity and mortality amongst COVID-infected patients.
  • Covaxin has been found to be effective in neutralizing SARS-Cov-2 variants: B.1.1.7 (UK variant), B.1.1.28 (Brazil variant), and Double mutant variant B.1.617.
  • The common side effects from vaccination include local pain, redness, and swelling, fever, chill, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, etc., which is common with almost every disease vaccine.
  • Any Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) related to vaccination should be immediately reported to healthcare authorities.

Statistics:

  • Covishield vaccine has a claimed efficacy of approximately 73%.
  • Covaxin has an estimated efficacy rate of 78% against mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease.
  • The Adenovirus vector vaccine induces antibody reaction against the spike S1 fragment, production of SARS-CoV neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell proliferation against the N protein.

Sources:

  • Dr. Gitali Bhagawati, Consultant and Head, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
  • Bharat Biotech
  • AstraZeneca/Oxford University
  • Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

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