Definition of Covishield and Covaxin
Covishield: Covishield is a vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca. It uses a modified version of the adenovirus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees, which has been genetically engineered to contain the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Covaxin: Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). It uses inactivated (killed so they cannot cause infection) virus particles of SARS-CoV-2, which are then introduced into the body to stimulate an immune response and help the person build immunity to the virus.
Characteristics of Covishield
Characteristics of Covishield include:
- Development and Manufacturer: Covishield is developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with AstraZeneca.
- Composition and Dosage: Covishield uses a modified adenovirus vector to deliver the genetic material that codes for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 into the body. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose administered after an interval of 4 to 12 weeks.
- Efficacy and Safety Data: Covishield has been shown to be effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to have a protective efficacy of 70.4% based on an interim analysis of large clinical trials. The vaccine has been found to be generally well-tolerated, with side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches being common.
- Approvals and Authorizations: Covishield has received regulatory approval for emergency use in several countries and has been administered to millions of people globally.
Characteristics of Covaxin
Characteristics of Covaxin include:
- Development and Manufacturer: Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
- Composition and Dosage: Covaxin uses inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles to stimulate an immune response. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose administered after an interval of 28 days.
- Efficacy and Safety Data: Covaxin has shown promising results in early- and mid-stage clinical trials, with the company reporting an interim efficacy of 81% based on limited data. However, more data from large-scale trials is needed to establish its efficacy with certainty. The vaccine has been well-tolerated in clinical trials, with side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache being commonly reported.
- Approvals and Authorizations: Covaxin has received emergency use authorization in India, but its approval for use in other countries is still pending further data from large-scale clinical trials.
Differences between Covishield and Covaxin
The main differences between Covishield and Covaxin include:
- Composition and Dosage: Covishield uses a modified adenovirus vector to deliver the genetic material that codes for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, while Covaxin uses inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Additionally, Covishield requires two doses given 4 to 12 weeks apart, while Covaxin requires two doses given 28 days apart.
- Efficacy and Safety Data: While both vaccines have shown promising results in clinical trials, more data is needed to establish the exact efficacy of Covaxin. Both vaccines have been well-tolerated, with side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches being common.
- Approvals and Authorizations: Covishield has received regulatory approval for emergency use in several countries, while Covaxin has received emergency use authorization in India but its approval for use in other countries is still pending further data from large-scale clinical trials.
Covishield and Covaxin are both vaccines developed to help prevent COVID-19, but they differ in their composition, dosage, and regulatory approvals. It is important to note that both vaccines have shown promising results in clinical trials and have been well-tolerated and that ongoing research and data collection will continue to provide further information about their efficacy and safety.
Conclusion
Covishield and Covaxin are both vaccines developed to help prevent COVID-19. Covishield uses a modified adenovirus vector to deliver the genetic material that codes for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, while Covaxin uses inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Both vaccines have shown promising results in clinical trials, with Covishield having received regulatory approval for emergency use in several countries and Covaxin having received emergency use authorization in India.
It is important to note that while both vaccines have been well-tolerated, more data is needed to establish the exact efficacy of Covaxin. Ongoing research and data collection will continue to provide further information about the safety and efficacy of both vaccines. Ultimately, the decision of which vaccine to receive should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into consideration factors such as individual health status, potential risks and benefits, and the latest recommendations from health authorities.
