The world is fighting the deadly disease that has taken millions of lives. Currently, the whole world is focusing on getting everyone vaccinated to win the fight against coronavirus. Everyone is strongly hoping that things will get back to normal after the vaccination so we can live life mask-free and have a lively social life like we used to have in the pre-covid times. For now, we cannot tell with certainty how and when that will happen. So far, India has approved three vaccines against the deadly COVID-19. They are Serum Institute of India’s (SII) Covishield, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, and Russia’s Sputnik V. In this article, we will see a quick comparison of the three covid-19 vaccines: Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V.
The two vaccines Covaxin and Covishield, have been available in the country from the beginning of the vaccination drive, which started in early January 2021. The administration has also incorporated a Russian vaccine named “Sputnik V” into its healthcare facilities which recently got the government’s approval. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in India will now distribute sputnik V. Also, with this, Sputnik V has become the second most expensive COVID-19 vaccine available in the country.
Who developed which vaccine?
The Serum Institute of India’s Covishield has been developed by Oxford University in partnership with the AstraZeneca pharma company.
On the other hand, Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research.
And the Russian vaccine Sputnik V is developed by the Moscow-based Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology.
All three vaccines must be taken twice for the best protection against the covid-19 virus. However, there is a difference in the gap between the two doses for the three vaccines.
The efficacy rate of Covishield, Covaxin & Sputnik V
The Serum Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine has an efficacy rate of over 70.4 percent. Its efficacy could reach up to 90 percent if doses of the vaccine are taken weeks apart, as per the Health Ministry.
Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has an efficacy rate of over 78 to 81 percent.
Further Russian vaccine, Sputnik V, has been recently approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has the highest efficacy rate of 91.6 percent.
Possible side effects of Covishield, Covaxin & Sputnik V
All three vaccines have some side effects which can be experienced in the first few weeks. Some people experience no or fewer side effects, while others may experience many or all side effects.
The side effects experienced mainly depend on eating habits, immunity, lifestyle, and underlying diseases.
Sputnik V side effects
According to a Lancet study published in February 2021, Sputnik V has below side effects.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain at the injection site
- Flu-like illness
Covaxin side effects
- Redness, swelling, pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Sweating and/ or chills
- Malaise, body ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching and rashes
- Headache
Covishield side effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness
- Moderate or high fever
- Drowsiness and lethargy
- Arm stiffness
- Body ache and pain
Price comparison of Covishield, Covaxin & Sputnik V
Let us see the prices in INR for each of the three vaccines.
Covishield price
Initially, the Serum Institute of India had launched the Covishield vaccine at Rs 150 for the Central government, Rs 400 for state governments, and Rs 600 for private hospitals.
However, with the COVID-19 cases rising and increased demand, the company reduced the price by 25 percent for state governments. Now the company is selling its vaccine doses at Rs 300 to state governments, but there is no change in the prices for the private hospitals.
Covaxin Price
The Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is slightly expensive as compared to the Covishield vaccine.
The vaccine is available at a marketed price of Rs 400, which has been reduced from Rs 600, while for private hospitals and facilities, it has been priced at Rs 1,200.
Additionally, the company is selling the Covaxin doses at Rs 150 to the Central government.
Sputnik V price
The Russian vaccine Sputnik V is set to be manufactured in Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in association with Apollo Hospitals and is priced at Rs 1,250 (including the administration charges).
However, currently, the vaccine is being imported at Rs 948 a dose. With 5 percent GST added, one dose of vaccine will cost Rs 995.40.
How do these vaccines work?
Covishield
The formula of the Covishield vaccine is similar to that of the Sputnik V. The drug is formulated from a common cold virus taken from chimpanzees (ChAD0x1), which is commonly a weakened version of adenovirus. The appearance of the drug is similar to the SARS CoV-2 virus with the advantage that it does not cause illness after the shot. After taking the vaccine doses, the vaccine produces antibodies against the live virus and promotes the human immune system.
Covaxin
The Bharat Biotech vaccine is created by using a sample of the COVID-19 virus. The National Institute of Virology isolated the sample. After taking a shot of Covaxin, the human immunity system starts producing antibodies against SARS CoV-2 and COVID-19 virus. Additionally, the immune is kept on boosting by taking immune potentiators called vaccine adjuvants.
Sputnik V
The vaccine is developed by using two different disarmed strains of adenovirus that cause the common cold. According to The BMJ paper, the adenoviruses are combined with the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) spike protein, which prompts the body to make an immune response to it. After taking the vaccine, the human body promptly produces antibodies to fight against the coronavirus.
Doses to be taken:
Covishield: The vaccine is designed to be taken in two doses administrated between 12-16 weeks apart. The government recently increased the gap between two doses to 12-16 weeks from the earlier gap of 6-8 weeks.
Covaxin: This vaccine is also a two-dose vaccine with a recommended gap of 28 days from the first dose.
Sputnik V: Similarly, the second dose of this vaccine also needed to be taken after a gap of 21 days from the day of the first dose.
You may like:
- 8 Best Yoga Poses To Lose Belly Fat
- Covishield vs Covaxin vs Sputnik V: A Quick Comparison
- Best Outdoor Activities To Relieve Stress
- Effect Of Sugar On Brain And Body
- Does Drinking More Water Help You Lose Weight?
- How to Meal Prep Healthy School Lunches
Author Profile
- Sofia Ali is an analyst by profession who has a love for creativity and enjoys writing on different topics such as engineering, science, history, self-help, healthcare, and much more. Believes strongly in the law of attraction and wants to create a difference in this world with her thoughts.
Any comments?