A detailed comparison between Covid-19 Vaccines

A pandemic hit the entire world in 2020, and that's when the gravity of this pandemic left the entire world in sheer distress. Initially, it was more like a mystery, wherein all the scientists and health experts spent sleepless nights finding out the root cause of this virus and the effective treatments. Everything turned upside down in a month, and it was all about "hit and try" while treating the infected patients. Internet was flooded with hoaxes, and quacks were misguiding people. Hospitals worldwide were crammed with throngs of people seeking timely treatment for themselves and their loved ones. There were endless burials and funerals happening all day long, and the atmosphere of grief all around made everything afflictive. 

However, the painful journey didn't last long, as health experts and scientists worldwide worked relentlessly to beat Covid-19. Early this year, some companies introduced the Covid-19 vaccines, which ensured efficacy after making trials. Effective vaccines could be the only panacea to curb this deadly virus, and with leaps and bounds, things started to get better.

The news states that India has vaccinated the highest number of people with the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine globally.

Getting a jab is the only way to eradicate this virus to some extent, as it reduces the potency and makes it less harmful. You may wonder which vaccine is good for you and your family and look for comparisons. 

This article will give you a clear idea about the difference between Covid-19 vaccine. We have listed down the comparison between Covaxin, Covieshield and Sputnik vaccines that would help you understand better and encourage you to take the jab at the earliest. 

Covaxin vs. Covishield vs. Sputnik V

The most trending debate that has lately been heard of is the debate of vaccines and their differences. People are confused about which jab they should get, as there have been endless speculations regarding the efficacies of covid-19 vaccines against coronavirus.

Below is the detailed guide for Covaxin vs. Covishield vs. Sputnik V

Covishield

Details

The University of Oxford developed this vaccine in association with AstraZeneca. After the approval and trials, the Serum Institute of India produced the vaccines with specific guidelines.

How does it function? 

The vaccine contains the genetic part of coronavirus, which stimulates an immune response in the body and safeguards you against covid-19. People over 12 years of age can take this vaccination.

Efficacy

After the phase-3 trials, there was an efficacy of 70.4%, and it was seen that the efficacy reached up to 90% after people received both doses of covishield.

Doses

Covishield includes two doses of 0.5 ml each. The gap between the 1st and 2nd dose should be between 12-16 weeks.

Side effects

Common side effects like pain, temperature, tenderness or itching around the injected area may appear. One may feel unwell and tired with chills and feverish feelings. There could also be nausea or diarrhoea, joint pain, runny nose and sore throat. However, it is not worrisome if you experience these side effects, but if anything gets severe and requires attention, you should see your doctor at the earliest.

You may refer to Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. for more details on the Covishield vaccine.

Covaxin

Details

Covaxin vaccine is an indigenous vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).

How does it function?

The vaccine contains immune-potentiators, also known as vaccine adjuvants, that increase its immunogenicity, make it effective, and protect against the virus.

Efficacy

The efficacy against severe symptomatic COVID-19 disease is 93.4%. The efficacy data demonstrates 63.6% protection against asymptomatic COVID-19.

Doses

Two doses have to be administered 28 days apart.

Side effects

One may experience common side effects like redness around the injected area, stiffness in the upper arm, fever, tiredness and body ache. See your health expert if there is anything that requires immediate attention.

You may refer to Bharat Biotech for more details on the Covaxin vaccine.

Sputnik V

Details

Sputnik V vaccine is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine for COVID-19 developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia.

How does it function?

Sputnik V is the first coronavirus vaccine to use a heterogeneous boosting approach based on two vectors for two jabs. This approach generates a more sustainable immunity than vaccines that use the exact delivery mechanism for both shots.

Efficacy

Efficacy of Sputnik V against COVID-19 was reported at 91.6%. The figure is based on data analysis on 19,866 volunteers who received the first and second doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. 

Doses

Two doses have to be administered 21 days apart.

Side effects

One may experience mild side effects like fatigue, chills and fever, sore throat, redness and itchiness around injected area and muscle. If anything concerns more than these side effects, see your health expert at the earliest.

You may refer to Sputnik V for more details on the vaccine.

>>Also read How can you avoid 3rd wave of Covid-19 during Festivities?

Summing up

Covid-19 vaccines are definitely a game-changing tool against this deadly virus.  Despite being fully vaccinated, we must continue wearing masks, maintain hygiene and social distancing to be doubly safe. Throwing caution to the wind after being vaccinated will not help but put you at risk because research is still ongoing into how much vaccines protect against disease and infection, and transmission. There is still a long way to go until we experience complete freedom from this pandemic. Strengthen your immunity to safeguard yourself and others around you.

Finally, having a health insurance cover in these times of uncertainties is highly valuable as it provides the much-required financial support for any medical contingencies. Choose a comprehensive health policy with COVID-19 cover by Care Health Insurance today. 

Our unparalleled plans provide you with wide-ranging sum-insured options covering coronavirus treatment and numerous policy benefits suiting your medical needs. Also, you can access our nearest network hospital for cashless medical treatment and stay worry-free about medical expenses. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Please refer to the sales prospectus, policy terms, and conditions for more details about health insurance plans.

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