Understanding Covaxin and Covishield Differences

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a global sprint for good vaccines, and India was leading the pack with two indigenous vaccines: Covaxin and Covishield. Both vaccines have curbed the virus spread, but each is different in formulation, efficacy, and side effects. The debate about which vaccine is superior or the best one to take is here with you.

In this blog, we will be comparing Covaxin vs Covishield and seeing how they differ in efficacy, side effects, and other relevant factors so that you can make an informed choice.

What Are Covaxin and Covishield?

Before diving into the details, let’s first understand what Covaxin and Covishield are.

• Bharat Biotech manufactures the inactivated virus vaccine Covaxin. It stimulates the immune system by using the virus’s killed form.
• Covishield, by contrast, is an adenovirus-vectored vaccine made by AstraZeneca and manufactured in India at the Serum Institute of India. It utilizes a weakened adenovirus to pass along genetic material to elicit an immune response.

Although each vaccine has unique qualities, they are both very effective at preventing COVID-19.

Covaxin vs Covishield: Key Differences

1. Vaccine Type

• Covaxin is an inactivated virus vaccine, or a killed virus vaccine that uses a killed virus to elicit an immune response.
• Covishield is a viral vector vaccine, i.e., it uses a weakened version of another virus (adenovirus) to deliver the coronavirus’s genetic material to elicit an immune response.

2. Efficacy

• Covaxin efficacy rate has been found to be approximately 81% in clinical trials for prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.
• Covishield efficacy rate depends on the time interval between doses, and the maximum efficacy is approximately 70% in trials when the doses are given 12 weeks apart.

3. Side Effects:

Both vaccines are generally safe, but they can cause some common side effects:

• Covaxin side effects can include fever, fatigue, pain at the site of the injection, and mild allergy.
• Covishield side effects are also the same, with fever, body pain, and in a few instances, minor blood clotting problems (although this is extremely rare).

4. Dosing Schedule

• Two doses of Covaxin are needed, usually 4 to 6 weeks apart.
• Two doses of Covishield are given, with 4 to 12 weeks between them, as per government policy.

Covaxin vs Covishield: Which is Best for You?

So, Covaxin vs Covishield which is best? The reality is that both vaccines are extremely effective and have been approved by regulatory bodies across the globe. The decision to go for one or the other is mostly based on availability, individual choice, and any health issues.

For example:

• If you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in either vaccine, it’s important to speak with your doctor prior to making a decision.
• Knowing how well Covaxin and Covishield work in actual situations is crucial if you’re worried about the vaccines’ efficacy. It has been demonstrated that both vaccines can prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death.

Also Read:- https://karpagamhospital.in/differences-between-typhoid-and-corona-symptoms/

Covaxin vs Covishield Effectiveness: Which Vaccine Works Better?

The Covaxin vs Covishield efficacy percentage is a question many people ask. Let’s break it down:

• Covaxin: In clinical trials, Covaxin showed an efficacy of 81% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 after the second dose.
• Covishield: The efficacy of Covishield varies depending on the interval between doses. When doses are spaced 12 weeks apart, the vaccine provides an efficacy of around 70%. However, studies also show that the efficacy increases when the gap between the doses is extended.

Covaxin vs Covishield Side Effects: What Should You Expect?

One common question that arises when choosing between Covaxin and Covishield is: What are the side effects of Covaxin vs Covishield?

• Covaxin side effects: Like all vaccines, Covaxin side effects are mild and transient. You may have pain at the site of injection, tiredness, headache, low-grade fever, or shivering. These symptoms usually resolve in a couple of days.
• Covishield side effects: Likewise, the Covishield side effects may include injection site pain, headache, fever, and tiredness. There have been unusual cases of issues with blood clotting reported more in younger women, but these are very rare and are closely being observed.

FAQs on Covaxin vs Covishield

1.      What is the difference between Covishield and Covaxin?

The main point of distinction is their formulation. Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine, whereas Covishield is a viral vector vaccine. Both work, but they work in different ways.

2.      Which is more effective: Covaxin or Covishield?

Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Covaxin’s efficacy rate is 81%, while Covishield’s efficacy can range between 60% to 80%, depending on the gap between doses.

3.      Why Covishield is better than Covaxin?

Some argue that Covishield is better due to its longer shelf life and the global recognition of the AstraZeneca formula. However, both vaccines are effective and safe, so the choice depends on availability and individual health factors.

4.      Is Covishield better than Covaxin?

This depends on personal and regional factors. Both vaccines are effective, and both have shown similar levels of protection against severe COVID-19 symptoms.

5.      What is the difference between Covax and Covishield?

There is no vaccine called “Covax” in the context of the COVID-19 vaccines. It’s likely a typo or confusion with Covaxin or Covishield.

6.      Which COVID vaccine is safest?

Both Covaxin and Covishield are considered safe by health authorities. Adverse events are rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks for most individuals.

7.      What type of vaccine is Covishield?

Covishield is an adenovirus-vectored vaccine, meaning it uses a harmless adenovirus to deliver the genetic material of the coronavirus to trigger an immune response.

8.      Is Covaxin the best vaccine?

While Covaxin has shown impressive results, the question of which vaccine is the “best” depends on availability and individual health needs. Both vaccines are effective in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes.

9.      Who made Covishield?

Covishield was developed by AstraZeneca and produced in India by the Serum Institute of India.

10.  What are the benefits of Covishield?

Covishield helps protect against severe COVID-19 infection, reducing the risk of hospitalization, severe disease, and death. It also provides immunity against emerging variants of the virus.

11.  What is the disadvantage of Covishield?

The only significant downside of Covishield is the rare occurrence of blood clotting events, but these are very rare and have been thoroughly investigated. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

12.  Can Covishield affect your period?

Some individuals have reported changes in their menstrual cycle after receiving Covishield, but these reports are rare. Most changes in menstrual cycles are temporary and go back to normal after a few cycles.

13.  What are the side effects of Covishield on the kidneys?

There is no evidence to suggest that Covishield causes kidney damage. As with any vaccine, if you have kidney disease or concerns, you should consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.

Conclusion: Covaxin vs Covishield – What’s the Right Choice for You?

The choice between Covaxin vs Covishield is ultimately one of personal factors, including availability, health condition, and individual choice. Both vaccines are effective and safe, and both are critical to the fight against COVID-19 on a global level. The optimal choice is to consult with your physician, who will recommend for you based on your medical requirements.

At Karpagam Hospital, we strive to provide you with the best of medical care and latest updates to safeguard you and your loved ones. For more information on best pathology and labs in Coimbatore, please do get in touch with us!

By studying the key distinctions between Covaxin and Covishield, we trust that you are now more sure about your decision on which COVID-19 vaccine to choose. Remain safe! Stay updated!

About Karpagam Hospital

Karpagam Hospital is dedicated to healthcare excellence, offering exceptional medical services with compassion and integrity. As a not-for-profit institution, we prioritize ethical medical research and actively support underserved rural communities. Our resources are responsibly managed to enhance education, patient care, and infrastructure, reflecting our commitment to societal and environmental well-being.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.