Covaxin vs. Covishield

Attribute	Covaxin	Covishield
Manufacturer	Bharat Biotech	Serum Institute of India
Type	Inactivated virus	Viral vector
Efficacy	81%	70%
Doses	2 doses	2 doses
Storage	2-8°C	2-8°C

Introduction

As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have become a crucial tool in the fight against the virus. In India, two vaccines have been at the forefront of the vaccination drive - Covaxin and Covishield. Both vaccines have been developed to provide protection against the novel coronavirus, but they differ in terms of their attributes and characteristics. In this article, we will compare the key features of Covaxin and Covishield to help individuals make an informed decision about which vaccine to choose.

Development

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is an inactivated vaccine. This means that the vaccine contains a virus that has been killed or inactivated so that it cannot cause disease. On the other hand, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, is a viral vector vaccine. It uses a harmless adenovirus as a vector to deliver genetic material from the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the body to trigger an immune response.

Efficacy

Both Covaxin and Covishield have shown efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection. Covaxin has demonstrated an efficacy of around 81% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection in Phase 3 clinical trials. On the other hand, Covishield has shown an efficacy of around 70% after two doses in clinical trials. It is important to note that efficacy rates can vary based on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and the prevalence of variants in a particular region.

Administration

One of the key differences between Covaxin and Covishield is the dosing schedule. Covaxin is administered in two doses, with the second dose given 28 days after the first dose. Covishield, on the other hand, has a longer dosing interval, with the second dose given 12-16 weeks after the first dose. This difference in dosing schedules can impact the speed at which individuals can achieve full vaccination and protection against COVID-19.

Storage and Distribution

Another important factor to consider when comparing Covaxin and Covishield is their storage and distribution requirements. Covaxin can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures of 2-8 degrees Celsius, making it easier to transport and store in various settings. Covishield, on the other hand, requires storage at temperatures between 2-8 degrees Celsius as well, but it can also be stored at temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius for longer periods, making it more versatile in terms of distribution.

Adverse Reactions

Both Covaxin and Covishield have been associated with mild to moderate side effects, which are common with most vaccines. Some of the common side effects reported with Covaxin and Covishield include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. Severe allergic reactions are rare but can occur with any vaccine.

Approval and Availability

Covaxin received emergency use authorization in India in January 2021, while Covishield was granted emergency use approval in January 2021 as well. Both vaccines have been rolled out as part of India's vaccination drive, with priority given to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and individuals above a certain age. The availability of Covaxin and Covishield may vary based on factors such as production capacity, distribution networks, and government procurement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Covaxin and Covishield are two important tools in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India. While both vaccines have shown efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection, they differ in terms of their development, dosing schedules, storage requirements, and availability. Individuals should consult with healthcare providers and consider factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and vaccine availability when deciding which vaccine to choose. Ultimately, getting vaccinated with either Covaxin or Covishield is a crucial step in protecting oneself and others from the novel coronavirus.