Covaxin vs Covishield: Difference Between Covaxin & Covishield Vaccines [Detailed Comparison]
Table of Contents
Covaxin vs Covishield – Which One is better? After more than a year of devastation by COVID-19, vaccines are finally available to the public. In India, the two vaccines that are being given out are Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Serum Institute of India’s Covishield. All those who are 18+ years of age are now eligible for the vaccine and can now register for it on the CoWIN App, Aarogya Setu App, or the Umang App.
One can choose to get vaccinated at a private or government facility, depending upon the availability of the vaccine at the vaccination centers. Both of the vaccines are being actively given out at all registered and approved facilities. However, there has been a lot of buzz around the difference between the two vaccines - Covaxin and Covishield. In this article, we aim to answer all such queries which you may have about the difference between these two vaccines.
Differences Between Covaxin and Covishield
The following are some of the crucial points of difference between Covaxin and Covishield.
Parameter |
Covaxin |
Covishield |
|
Research Name |
BBV152 |
A2D1222 (ChAdOx1) |
|
Manufacturer |
Bharat Biotech International Limited in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology. |
Serum Institute of India in association with the AstraZeneca Vaccine from Oxford. |
|
Vaccine Mechanism |
Developed using the Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology which is an age-old method used in vaccines for polio, rabies etc. It contains the inactivated coronavirus to train the immune system into responding to the live viral infection. |
Developed using the viral vector method. An adenovirus strain from chimpanzees, containing the coronavirus protein is introduced into the body. It is a virus that causes the common cold. It does not cause COVID-19 but teaches the immune system to prepare a defence mechanism against COVID-19. |
|
Efficacy |
78% |
70% |
|
Dosage |
Two doses with four to 6 weeks in between. |
Two doses with four to 8 weeks in between. |
|
Cost |
The vaccine is available at Rs. 600 for states and at Rs. 1,200 for private hospitals. |
The vaccine is available at Rs. 400 for states and at Rs. 600 for private hospitals. |
|
Efficiency Against the New Mutations of Coronavirus |
Effective against the Indian strain but comparatively less against the foreign strains like the UK and African ones. |
Comparatively more efficient against all the types of strains |
|
Side Effects |
Swelling, redness and pain at the injection spot, stiffness and weakness in the injection arm, body ache, headache, fever, malaise, rashes, nausea, vomiting |
Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling and bruising at the injection spot, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, lump at the injection site, temporary flu-like symptoms of runny nose, sore throat, cough |
Can I Choose Between Covaxin and Covishield?
As of now, there is no way of choosing which vaccine to take. You have to register to get the vaccine and according to availability, you will be administered one of the vaccines. You can register either via the Arogya Setu app or the CoWIN website/app or the Umang app. Once you are registered, you can choose where you want to take your vaccine from, according to the available centers.
It is important to take two doses of the same vaccine to avoid adverse side effects and for better effectiveness. If you have any comorbidities, make sure to mention them when you go to get vaccinated for the first time.
Endnotes
Both vaccines are being administered to registered citizens for quite a few months now. Although it was being given out in phases, everyone above 18 years of age is eligible for it now. Let the rate of efficacy not deter you from taking either of the vaccines. There have been shortages in doses which is why it is better to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Also Read:
Exploring the After-Effects of Coronavirus Disease
Day by Day Progress of Coronavirus Explained
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
