What is 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 is formulated using a killed version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which helps the immune system recognize and fight the virus in case of future exposure.
Examples of Covaxin:
Some of the examples of Covaxin include:
1. Covaxin BBV152: This is the primary variant of Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech.
Uses of Covaxin:
Covaxin is primarily used for the prevention of COVID-19. It stimulates the production of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, providing immunity to the individual who is vaccinated.
What is Covishield?
Covishield is an adenovirus-based vaccine developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). It is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) found in chimpanzees and modified to contain the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein.
Examples of Covishield:
Some of the examples of Covishield include:
1. Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine: Covishield is the Indian variant of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Uses of Covishield:
Covishield is used for the prevention of COVID-19. It triggers an immune response in the body, producing antibodies that recognize and neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon exposure.
Differences Table:
| Difference Area | Covaxin | Covishield |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Bharat Biotech | Oxford-AstraZeneca and SII |
| Vaccine Type | Inactivated | Adenovirus-based |
| Production | Manufactured in India | Manufactured in India |
| Mode of Administration | Two-dose intramuscular injection | Two-dose intramuscular injection |
| Genetic Material | Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus | Chimpanzee adenovirus with modified spike protein |
| Efficacy | 81% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 | 70-90% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 |
| Approval Status | Approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) | Approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) |
| Distribution | Supplied to various states in India | Supplied to various states in India and exported to other countries |
| Storage | Requires refrigeration (2-8 degrees Celsius) | Requires refrigeration (2-8 degrees Celsius) |
| Side Effects | Mild side effects like pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache | Mild side effects like pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache |
Conclusion:
In summary, Covaxin and Covishield are both COVID-19 vaccines used for prevention, but they differ in terms of their developers, vaccine types, genetic materials, efficacy, and distribution. Both vaccines have been approved for use and have similar side effects and storage requirements.
People Also Ask:
1. Are Covaxin and Covishield effective against COVID-19?
Both Covaxin and Covishield have shown efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, with Covaxin having an efficacy of 81% and Covishield having an efficacy range of 70-90%.
2. Who developed Covaxin and Covishield?
Covaxin was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the ICMR and NIV, while Covishield was developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and manufactured by the SII.
3. How are Covaxin and Covishield administered?
Both Covaxin and Covishield are administered through two-dose intramuscular injections, with a specific interval between the doses.
4. Can Covaxin and Covishield cause any side effects?
Mild side effects like pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache have been reported for both Covaxin and Covishield. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
5. Can Covaxin and Covishield be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures?
Yes, both Covaxin and Covishield can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
