The COVID-19 vaccination drive has already begun in India and many people are still unaware of how the two vaccines – Covaxin and Covishield – are different from each other.
The third phase began on April 1, in which people over the age of 18 can take life-saving shots.
Currently, the government hasn’t allowed people to decide which vaccine they want to get, but the result of the first phase clearly suggests that both the vaccines being inoculated in India are safe and effective. As of now, 41.2 crore doses have been administered. 8.55 crore people of 6.3% of the total population are fully vaccinated.
Well, we have compiled all the information to give you a better understanding of the formulation and every other detail about covishield vs covaxin you are going to get to stay safe from the Coronavirus. Have a look:
Covaxin has been developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Covaxin is currently trying to procure WHO approval to ease international travel woes for people who have opted for this vaccine. All the relevant documents have urgently been submitted to the officials of WHO.
Because the Delta variant is proving to be more infectious than the other COVID variants, the makers of Covaxin have started a new study to determine the effectiveness of the third dose of Covaxin (the booster dose). The results are expected to be made public in November 2021.
Covishield has been developed by the Oxford-AstraZeneca and is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Doctors are mulling over the need for a booster dose for Covishield as well, considering the fact that the elderly and people with comorbidities may not be producing the desired immunity response to the Delta variant.
Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine. This vaccine is developed with Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology. They contain inactivated viruses, which can not infect a person but still can teach the immune system to prepare a defence mechanism against the active virus.
These conventional vaccines have been in use for decades now. There are vaccines for some other diseases as well which are made using the same technology. These diseases are –
If you are wondering Covishield is which type of vaccine, it has been prepared using the viral vector platform, a totally different technology.
A chimpanzee adenovirus – ChAdOx1 – has been modified to enable it to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into the cells of humans. Well, this cold virus is basically incapable of infecting the receiver but can very well teach the immune system to prepare a mechanism against such viruses.
The exact technology was used to prepare vaccines for viruses like Ebola.
There is no difference between the two vaccines in terms of dosage. Both of them are administered as 0.5ml in the upper arm region.
But, the dosing schedule for both vaccines however varies. The second dose of Covaxin is scheduled after 4-6 weeks after the first dose, while for Covishield vaccines it is 84 days or 12-16 weeks after the first dose.
Both Covishield and Covaxin can be stored at 2-8 ° Centigrade, which is a household refrigerator temperature. This makes both the vaccines most suited for Indian conditions as most of the vaccines here are kept at the same temperature range.
This also makes the transportation and storage of both vaccines easier.
Both vaccines have shown more than satisfactory results ever since the inoculation started in India.
The effectiveness of the Covishield vaccine is nearly 90% as per the global reports and the Covaxin vaccine’s is 81% according to interim 3rd phase trial results.
After getting vaccinated, you may experience pain at the site of injection. Some people may also experience side effects such as headaches, joint pain and may feel feverish. These side effects do not persist for long and generally go within a day or two.
Covaxin has currently been granted approval for emergency restricted use, while Covishield has been allowed for restricted use in emergency situations that can potentially prevent coronavirus infection in people aged 18 years and above.
The Covaxin vaccine has begun its clinical trial in children aged above 2 years of age.
However, the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) has not given a market use authorization clearance to any of the vaccines till now.
Both the vaccines are being inoculated free of cost at government health set-ups. However, the cost of vaccines at the private hospital varies. Thus, you should always contact the hospitals for the exact cost of the vaccine.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
Both Covaxin and Covishield are intramuscular vaccines.
Covishield and Covaxin have been approved for people aged 18 years and above.
At PharmEasy, we wanted to extend our support to the Government of India in its COVID vaccination drive. And thus, with our ‘Go Corona Go Initiative‘, we are offering a token of appreciation to every user who has got vaccinated. Basically, we’re on the lookout for SUPERHEROES who will help make India COVID-free. For every vaccine taken by a citizen, we would be giving a flat ₹150 PharmEasy cash in the wallet to the users that can be used on their next medicine order. Click here to get it now!
| Covishield | Covaxin |
| The interval between 1st and 2nd doses is 12-16 weeks. | The interval between the 2 doses is 4-6 weeks. |
| Efficacy after the second dose can vary from 70-90%. | This vaccine can be 78-95% effective after the second dose. |
| People above 18 years of age can opt for this vaccine. | This vaccine can be injected into people above 18 years of age. |
The newest vaccine to arrive in India
In June, Drug Controller General of India gave Cipla the permission to procure the Moderna vaccine from the US. It is the first US vaccine to arrive in India. 7.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been offered to India.
This vaccine uses the mRNA technology and tests have found it to be 94.1% effective.
Also Read: Is Covaxin Effective Against Omicron?
Difference between Sputnik V and the other two vaccines
| Sputnik | Covishield and Covaxin |
| Developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology in association with Dr Reddy’s. | Covishield is developed by the SII, Oxford University and AstraZeneca whereas Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR. |
| It is 91.6 per cent effective. | Covishield can be up to 90% effective and Covaxin has been found to be 78-81% effective. |
| The interval between the 2 doses is likely to be 21 days. | The gap between the doses of Covishiled and Covaxin are respectively 12-16 weeks and 4-6 weeks |
The newest vaccine to arrive in India
In June, Drug Controller General of India gave Cipla the permission to procure the Moderna vaccine from the US. It is the first US vaccine to arrive in India. 7.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been offered to India.
This vaccine uses the mRNA technology and tests have found it to be 94.1% effective.
Are you keeping a tab on your health? Let’s find out.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
2022 comes with the hope of a better and healthier future for us all. India is on its way towards complete vaccination. Under-18 vaccination too has started. This means we are one step closer to defeating COVID-19. But that does not mean we should drop all precautions. New variants and even hybrid infections are on the rise. You need not worry as long as you are cautious. In this context, it is essential that we all learn a little more about Flurona, which has been making headlines all over the world. The start of 2022 has been marked with fresh news about the emergence of two new threats. We already know that a new wave brought on by the Omicron virus (first detected in South Africa) is right around the corner unless we are all very cautious. But it has emerged that there could be another threat looming in the distance. The new danger that has got scientists anxious is flurona. What is flurona and what is it capable of doing? Read on to find out.
Flurona was found in the body of a pregnant woman in Israel when she was hospitalized to give birth.
Flurona is not a strain of COVID-19. It is actually a term used for the illness caused by 2 infections at the same time in the same person- one being the seasonal Flu and the other being COVID-19. That means, her body was harbouring both the seasonal flu virus and the coronavirus at the same time. It is a case of double infection.
She tested positive for both the Flu and COVID and the diagnostic tests were carried out more than once for confirmation. Her symptoms were mild. The woman had not been vaccinated for COVID-19. Because her symptoms are mild, she will be discharged soon as per news reports.
The infection thus caused is also a viral infection and contagious. Scientists believe this happened because this is the Flu season and the human body is capable of sustaining both kinds of viruses at the same time.
The symptoms of flurona are the same as the Flu or COVID-19 because it is also an upper respiratory tract infection. It triggers fever, sore throat, body ache, fatigue and breathing difficulty.
Will flurona be more dangerous than the strains of COVID-19?
This is too early to state anything about the severity of this dual infection. With more information and studies, we are likely to receive a clearer picture of the spread and threats associated with flurona.
COVID appropriate behaviour can save us from exposure to both infections. Do not forget these points-
In the upcoming days, we cannot let caution and care slide. Omicron is already here and delta has not gone yet. Life must indeed go on, but we must adopt every precaution possible. Masks, sanitisers, social distancing and following government circulars on safety should once again be part of our lives. A lit bit of caution never hurts anyone. It can in fact save lives. The safety of each and everyone is our collective responsibility at this time. Let’s do our bit to reduce the transmission of Covid infection.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Amidst alarming news of COVID-19 cases increasing in India due to the Omicron variant, there is a ray of hope in the New Year with the government rollout of vaccines for children, frontline workers and senior citizens. The new vaccination drive which is to begin from 3rd January 2022 for teens aged 15-18 years signifies that every cloud has a silver lining.
To know more about the current scenario, what the government is planning and what you should do to stay safe read the article below.
Addressing the country on 25th December 2021, the honourable PM announced that The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the emergency use of the indigenously developed Covaxin for immunising young adults. Aside from Covaxin, ZyCoV-D developed by Zydus Cadila has also been authorised for emergency usage. However, the vaccination drive as of now will only cover children in the 15-18 years age bracket and Covaxin will be administered to them. Designed as a precautionary measure to protect the future of the Nation from the impending harm of the new variant, guardians as well responsible youths are urged to get their children and themselves registered respectively on the Co-WIN Portal.
As of now, the authorised COVID-19 vaccine for under 18 in India is slated to be only for Covaxin.
Frontline workers i.e., employees who have to be physically present at their jobs such as doctors, fire-fighters, policemen and other kinds of industry professionals were the first to get their jab last year when the vaccination drive started followed by senior citizens (with co-morbidities). To make sure that everyone is safe in the face of the omicron virus surge, the Government has announced and emphasised that these two groups will be once eligible for a booster vaccine dose called a precaution dose from January 10th 2022. To get the jab, registrations are required to be made on the portal once again. For safety concerns, senior citizens are advised to go ahead with the booster dose upon confirmation from their respective healthcare providers.
As of reports released on 3rd January 2022, the Union Health Ministry announced that the Omicron variant cases were 1,700 in the country with an infection radius of 23 states and union territories. Delhi itself recorded 84% of new infections in the last few days. Currently, Delhi is functioning with a ‘yellow alert’ category of restriction under which educational institutions, gyms, theatres and shops involved in the trade of non-essential items are meant to stay shut until further notice.
However, as per studies conducted by doctors, the Omicron variant is said to only bring about mild infections with little requirement for oxygen concentrators and hospitalization, unlike the Delta variant.
The trend shows that those without vaccination are likely to suffer a more painful infection as opposed to those being doubled vaccinated.
Another trend being noticed is that in most cases of the infection, the individual is asymptomatic, meaning that he/she wouldn’t know that they are infected and will unknowingly spread the viral infection when in close contact with others. Keeping this fact in mind, civilians are being asked to be cautious and follow all COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. This includes limiting going out in public spaces and spending the rest of the winter season in a low key manner. As per news reports, the festive season during December was one of the main drivers behind the surge in Europe and also why COVID-19 cases are increasing in India and so now there is a necessity to salvage the situation before it goes totally out of hand.
Although the Omicron variant is spreading quite fast, the good news is that India will see a surge by the end of January which means that the lifespan of this infection is going to be short-lived. In the meanwhile, it is advised that you get your children and elderly family members vaccinated and follow COVID-19 mandates at all times. Follow all safety precautions in order to save yourselves and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The Omicron wave is looming and India must prepare itself to deal with another possible outbreak, this time triggered by the new COVID-19 variant called Omicron. But before you start to despair, let us tell you that you can keep yourself safe from it. And it starts with awareness. COVID cases are indeed increasing in India. But why? Is it just because Omicron is very contagious or is something else behind it? Read on to find out.
The second wave that was caused by the Delta had abated by October. India started registering very few cases since October. Naturally, most of us thought that the worst of COVID-19 has passed.
But in late November 2021, South African scientists identified a new variant which was named Omicron or B.1.1.529. This is by far the most infectious COVID-19 variant and very soon Omicron cases began to be reported in other countries of Africa, Europe and the Americas.
In early December, Omicron reached India. By December 31st, India crossed the 16,000 Covid cases mark, for the first time in 4 months. With 16, 764 cases being reported on 31st December, India has logged the highest case count since October. The number has been rising steadily since then. According to the Union Ministry of Health, the Omicron case tally, for now, is 1700.
Densely populated states and cities naturally rank high. Maharashtra and the NCT have more Omicron cases than the rest of the country. By December 31st, Delhi recorded a 42% increase, and Mumbai a 46% increase from the previous day.
The positivity rate, for now, is 1.87%. According to WHO, this rate should be below 5%. Once the 5% mark is crossed, containing the spread becomes immensely challenging.
Maharashtra, the NCT and Karnataka hospitals have been admitting a steady stream of COVID-19 patients, the number being higher than that of the last few months. The good news is most of these people are recovering well. This is in keeping with what has been observed in South Africa and the UK.
So far, there are no reports on the severity of illness in cases of COVID-19 caused by omicron among the vulnerable population (babies and people with comorbidities).
One reason why COVID cases are increasing in India is that Omicron is highly transferable. As soon as it arrived in India, experts knew that it would spread and there would be a risk of the third wave. Caution was sounded.
However, not all cases of COVID-19 being recorded are triggered by Omicron. So why did COVID cases abate and then pick up again?
The most obvious reason is our complacency. As soon as the second wave receded, people began to relax COVID-19 precautions. Even the previous variants like Delta are still spreading and causing infections. When we do not mask up, sanitize or wash up, we make ourselves and everyone else vulnerable to an infection caused by any COVID-19 variant.
The increase in travelling and gatherings during the winter festive season has been a contributing factor in the spike of Covid cases everywhere.
Also Read: What Precautions to Take Against Omicron Variant?
The Union Government and state governments (such as West Bengal) have already released or devised new COVID-19 circulars outlining the restrictions that have or will come into force. Common guidelines you may expect include operating trains and metros at 50% capacity, quarantine zones, work from home wherever possible, 50% attendance in offices, night curfews, restriction of flights, etc.
Now the onus is on every one of us to be cautious. Only by being prudent will we be able to keep ourselves safe from Omicron, the other variants of COVID-19 and from the third wave. Let us not be complacent just because Omicron is likely to be less dangerous than the other variants. The threat is serious. The third wave is at our doorstep and for the next few weeks, we must all observe every COVID-19 precaution.
Studies predict that unless we are careful, the third wave caused by Omicron may result in 150% more cases than the second wave. Such a caseload would overwhelm our healthcare services.
For age 15 to 18 COVID vaccines are being administered now. So please get your child registered for the vaccine. If you are yet to receive full vaccination, make sure that you get both doses as soon as possible. Vaccination can save lives.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron Variant?
Let us all recall the horrors of the second wave. It is fresh in our collective memory. Let us make sure that there is no repeat of that. For the sake of our loved ones, and our country and world at large. We can all try to be cautious in the upcoming days. Cancel your holiday plans (if possible), and avoid crowds because health is more important right now than enjoyment.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Omicron has already started creating chaos, and now people are wondering if they are going to experience the same mayhem the Delta variant of COVID-19 had caused earlier in 2021. Well, if you are also terrified of going through the same agony again, here is good news for you!
As per the initial research and studies, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 poses 50 to 70 per cent fewer chances of hospitalisation as compared to the previous strains. They, however, have cautioned to be careful as it still has the potential to lead many people to the hospitals. Following safety protocols sincerely can help us in minimising the spread of this wave.
The UK Health Security Agency has claimed that the initial results of the research suggest that most of the infected people would recover without any hospital care but still, the variant can cause a lot of damage.
Defining the reason behind the potential threat, the experts explained that the Omicron variant spreads way faster than the Delta variant and also has the capability to dodge the vaccine, which the earlier strains were unable to do. Hence, it may infect a larger number of people and hence, can cause too many hospitalisations.
Studies conducted across all the countries including England, South Africa, Scotland and Denmark have shown similar results. All of them have accepted the new strain to be far more contagious but milder in terms of symptoms. It is important to know that it can also cause moderate to severe illness as well as death.
The United Kingdom has been one of the worst affected countries in terms of Omicron spread as of now. Since November this year, a total of 132 people have been admitted to the hospital after contracting the Omicron variant. Out of these, 14 people have died within 28 days of being infected.
The study has highlighted some interesting insights. Have a look:
The concerning thing is that the virus may be causing milder symptoms but this advantage may go down the drain because of its higher contagiousness.
Moreover, the experts are still not sure what this strain is going to do with the older people, people with comorbid conditions, unvaccinated population. Due to the high rate of transmission, it can burden the healthcare system and cause a lot of problems if taken lightly. The threat of delta is not over yet, as it is still the dominant variant.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
Omicron has been presenting itself with milder symptoms because of the combination of people’s immunity and certain changes to the virus itself.
The initial studies have found out that most of the people who have contracted the new variant have been infected before with the previous variants or have already taken the vaccination. Both of these qualities provide a robust defence mechanism against the virus.
The lab studies have also shown that the way the Omicron variant infects our body is also different from the Delta variant. Unlike its predecessor, Omicron infects the airways of the person instead of messing up the deep tissues of the lungs, which makes it easier for it to spread, but milder as it stays away from the delicate parts of the lungs.
The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before. It is essential to mask yourself properly, take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated), maintain physical distancing, follow hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes and maintain good ventilation to the maximum possible.
The Omicron variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection but vaccinations do prevent the chances of severe infection. Hence, vaccination is still our best shield against this or any upcoming variant of COVID-19.
Read More: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Omicron for sure is here to modify our New Year plans, but with a little caution and determination, we surely can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this virus and finally push COVID-19 to the endemic stage, where it was supposed to be by the start of the year 2022. So, please keep wearing masks and avoid large gatherings till instructed otherwise. Stay safe and happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The holiday season is just around the corner as we are about to wrap up the year 2021. It definitely was not as anyone would have expected it to be but together, we somehow managed to emerge victorious over the Delta variant of COVID-19 that had wreaked havoc around the world in mid-2021.
Well, we might have won a battle against COVID-19 but the war is far from over as the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, and with winter celebrations and New Year in the offing, its spread is most likely to become rampant all across the world.
There, however, are still some ways that can help us in containing the spread of the Omicron variant despite it being more contagious than the Delta variant. Below, we have mentioned some expert advice on how to stay and keep your family members safe during the holiday season amid the Omicron crisis. Have a look:
Apart from avoiding huge gatherings, you should also maintain at least a six-feet distance from others when outdoors. Masks have not yet become optional accessories but continue to be an essential safety net in the war against COVID-19.
One must wear their mask properly so it covers their nose and mouth.
This is the first thing you need to do to save yourself from contracting this virus. While the scientists are yet to ascertain if Omicron is more severe than the Delta variant, experts have advised not to join any large gatherings and to prefer being outdoors instead of attending or throwing indoor events.
As people tend to travel a lot during the New Year festive season, the experts have advised people to be a little more flexible about the place they want to visit. Doing some research about the place you want to visit and finding out the active number of COVID-19 cases in the locality can help you in staying safe. Moreover, you can also find out the vaccination coverage in the particular region to better evaluate the risk of visiting there.
Gather with others who are up-to-date on their vaccines and who you can count on to not come if they have symptoms. Smaller gatherings can be lower risk than larger gatherings. Gatherings held outdoors are lower risk for spread than indoor gatherings. All this reduces your risk of spreading a virus.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The Indian healthcare system has impressively covered a huge number of people in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations but still, there are a lot of people who are either yet to receive their second dose or have not got jabbed even once. So, the best possible way to prevent the Omicron infection is to get vaccinated on priority. There are speculations that the new variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection, but nothing is confirmed as of now. Furthermore, the initial studies prove that the Omicron virus can dodge immunity only to some extent. Hence, getting jabbed is the best defence mechanism we can opt for at the moment.
While travelling outstation, it is a good practice to keep some rapid test kits handy to determine if you have contracted the virus or not. Despite not being fully accurate, they can largely help in diagnosing the infection in the early days helping you to get early treatment as well as isolation.
Do not ignore any symptoms of illness- fever, sore/scratch throat, weakness, body ache etc. Isolate yourself, consult a doctor and do not meet other people till you are not sure of your disease. It is important for the safety of your loved ones.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
COVID-19 was about to enter the endemic stage before the Omicron variant first appeared in South Africa and has spread to several countries since then. India itself has reported over 200 cases as of now, with Delhi and Maharashtra being the hub of the spread with 54 cases each. Hence, it is our responsibility to celebrate the upcoming holiday season cautiously and contain the spread of this variant before it becomes rampant. Virtual parties can be a safe and happy mode of celebration. Avoid any unnecessary travel, act responsibly and don’t forget to keep your masks on!
Also Read: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The Serum Institute of India (SII) sought and received approval from the World Health Organisation on the 17th of December, 2021 for the emergency use of Covovax. SII is one of the largest vaccine manufacturers in the world and WHO approved the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of the COVID-19 vaccine Covovax, which was developed under the licence of Novavax. This is the recent vaccine associated with India, that has been approved by the WHO, the other two being Covaxin and Covishield. This vaccine has been approved for immunisation of individuals who are 18 years and above.
The fight against COVID-19 is ongoing and vaccinations for the entire population is the need of the hour. When vaccines against COVID-19 were first introduced to the world, many third world nations like India suffered from vaccine shortages. The manufacture of Covaxin (India’s first indigenous vaccine) and Covishield (the Indian version of Britain’s AstraZeneca) were major milestones for the efforts to vaccinate India.
The approval of Covovax in India by the WHO is an important milestone because more people can now get vaccinated (especially in lower-income nations). This indicates that there are now 9 (Covovax being the 9th one) COVID-19 vaccines that can help us stay protected from the virus. The approval of the vaccine is a positive indicator of the safety and protection of the people from SARS CoV-2.
The approval of the Covovax vaccine by the WHO is a strong indicator of its efficacy and safety. It is important to know whether a vaccine is showing effectiveness or not. Covovax has been developed using the technology of the Novavax vaccine, which is effective in providing protection against the mutated strains of the COVID-19 virus. Since the Covovax vaccine has been deemed safe for use, it means that more people can now get vaccinated and stay protected against mutated strains as well. A projected third dose can increase the antibody count by up to 4-6 times and provide resistance against the delta variant. Studies about the protection against the omicron variant are still ongoing.
SII CEO Adar Poonawalla has announced plans for the launch of Covovax jabs for children too. He plans to launch a vaccine for children from the age of three. Although children have not faced any deadly effects of the virus, vaccinating them ensures a safety net for them.
COVOVAX is the protein-based COVID-19 vaccine option, with demonstrated efficacy and a well-tolerated safety profile, to be made available through the COVAX Facility said CEO of Serum Institute of India, Mr Adar Poonawala. The Covovax vaccine uses spike proteins to help the immune system adapt to combat the virus and create antibodies.
Covovax requires storage between the temperatures of 2 °C and 8 °C, therefore existing cold chain supply lines for vaccine transport can be used for this vaccine as well.
Clinical studies show a 96.4% efficacy against mild or severe COVID-19 infection. The Covovax vaccine has a very strong safety profile and the booster shots are deemed to be more effective. Although more study is required to understand the vaccine’s efficacy against the Omicron variant. However, the INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics), does believe that there are high chances that Covovax will receive approval as the booster shot that we may all need.
Children need the COVID-19 vaccine as much as adults do because they are returning to schools and colleges and they are vulnerable without the protection offered by vaccines. So can Covovax be administered to children? According to Poonawalla, Covovax is safe and can offer the required protection to all children down to three years of age.
The approval of Covovax by the WHO is a boost for India’s vaccination drive. It is also a positive indicator that studies to understand and counter the COVID-19 virus are being effective. Serum Institute of India also plans to introduce a vaccine for children based on Covovax. You can stay assured that Covovax is an effective measure to protect yourself from mutated strains of the virus. It is important for everyone to get vaccinated, follow covid-appropriate behaviour and maintain a safe distance from others to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
With 2021 coming to an end, a new COVID-19 variant has posed a threat to the resumption of normalcy. This variant, the B.1.1.529, popularly known as the Omicron variant, is now being studied closely by scientists, medical practitioners, and medical officials. Although the number of cases of Omicron detected in India are just above 100 now, there may be a good chance of it increasing exponentially in the next couple of months.
While the Omicron variant has already made its entry into India, it is supposed to have originated from South Africa, and officially been identified in Botswana.
Soon after the identification of this new variant of COVID-19 by a team in Botswana headed by Dr Sikhulile Moyo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) did not hesitate to classify it as a Variant Of Concern (VOC). The reason that the WHO has classified this variant of COVID-19 as a VOC is because of the high number of mutations and its rate of transmission. Soon after, many other countries also identified this new variant affecting their population.
Do not hesitate to get an RT-PCR for diagnosis of Covid even if you experience mild symptoms and no fever. Early identification, self-isolation and treatment can play a significant role at this time.
Although the most recent data suggests that the Omicron variant has much higher transmissibility than even the previously deadly Delta variant, it does not seem to be overloading hospitals yet. The latest data points out that even though more than 50,000 cases have been reported in the last couple of weeks in the origin country of this variant, the number of deaths reported due to Omicron is significantly low.
This naturally poses questions about the transmissibility and the severity of this mutation of the Coronavirus.
Based on statistical data from South Africa, the epicentre of this new mutation, it has been assumed that the Omicron variant is 3 times more capable of infecting other people as compared to the delta variant. Moreover, the rate of increasing cases has surpassed that of the previous 3 waves of COVID-19 as well.
At the other end of the globe, Japanese researchers have been able to confirm that the Omicron variant is 4.2 times more transmissible than previously reported variants. Apart from the countries in the African continent, this new mutation has penetrated the populations of the UK and other European countries as well. More than 77 countries have reported Omicron cases so far. There can also be a case that some countries may have undetected cases of Omicron spreading. What is more alarming is the fact that the number of cases has been seen to be doubling every 1.5 to 3 days.
Also read: Chamoy Benefits: A Research-Backed Health And Flavour Guide
Most patients in the affected regions of Africa have reported mild to severe headaches, scratchy throat, body aches and a constant sense of fatigue. This is a stark contrast to the symptoms reported by patients during the Delta wave (which included fluctuating pulse rates and respiratory trouble). However, it is important to note that it is too early to comment anything on the presentation and severity of this variant. There are reports on cases with severe symptoms and fatal consequences as well.
World Health Organisation says not to take this variant lightly because-
A high number of mutations in the spike protein of Omicron has raised a question on the efficacy of existing Covid vaccines. There are no studies so far to show the inefficiency of vaccines so far. There can be some variation in the efficacy but vaccines are definitely going to help. Also, delta is still the dominant variant so irrespective of the variant type we need to get ourselves vaccinated and follow steps to reduce our risk of exposure.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron Variant?
While the transmissibility of this new variant currently seems much higher than any previous variants of the Coronavirus, it is important to remember that timely medical intervention is the key. And more important is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and following all the safety measures sincerely. On a positive note, we are all well versed with Covid-appropriate behaviour by now and can play a heroic role in reducing the spread of Covid infections in our region.
Whatever it may be, it is always important to eat a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and exercise regularly, to help boost your body’s natural immunity. This can, to a great extent, help your body fight off the infection and suppress any life-threatening symptoms.
Read More: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
When the world had started believing that COVID-19 is about to enter the endemic stage, the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529. The new variant has reignited the speculations over the emergence of a third COVID-19 wave in India, which can completely disrupt our life. As per the initial research, the new variant has a high amount of spike mutations that were never recorded before.
Omicron seems to be very rampant in terms of spreading as its cases did not take many days to pop up in many other countries after first being reported in South Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Omicron as a “variant of concern”.
The newest variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported to the WHO on November 24, 2021. The variant was detected in the specimen collected on November 11 in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa.
Soon after receiving the report, WHO classified Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, followed by the United States on November 30 before the country recorded its first case on December 1. The next day, India recorded its first two cases of the Omicron variant.
With the limited number of cases recorded so far, there is only a little information available about the symptoms. It has been said that the Omicron variant can present itself with extreme tiredness, body aches, throat discomfort (scratching or soreness), fever and some headache.
As the number of cases has been very low so far, there can be a possibility of this strain presenting severe symptoms in some people. Hence, experts are suggesting not to take this variant lightly.
The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than some of the previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. More data are needed to know if Omicron infections and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with COVID-19 and also the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
Scientists are working to learn more about the Omicron variant to better understand how easy it might be transmitted and the effectiveness of currently authorized or approved medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests, against this variant. New information about the virologic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant is rapidly emerging. Scientific bodies recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
This article has been medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr Nikita Toshi.
The SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill when it first spread across the globe at the beginning of 2020. Amidst lockdowns and strict travel restrictions, the virus mutated as it spread among more people. When finally it seemed like the worst was behind us (thanks to an extensive vaccination scheme), we got the news that there’s a new strain doing the rounds! Omicron strain is the latest mutation identified by scientists in South Africa.
Read to know more about the new strain of COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself from it.
Scientists in South Africa reported the development of a new strain of the COVID-19 virus, called B.1.1.529, on November 24th, 2021. The World Health Organisation (WHO) named it Omicron, following the tradition of using Greek nomenclature to denote the strains of the virus. The strains before the Omicron were named alpha, beta, gamma, Delta variant, etc. The new variant (Omicron) has been named while skipping the two letters in the Greek alphabet ‘Nu’ and ‘Xi’. [1]
When we talk about the origin story of the variant, experts from South Africa notified on 2nd December 2021 that the origin of Omicron was unknown. On the other hand, as per theories released by Livescience, the Omicron variant was believed to have possibly evolved in rodents. Whichever statement might be true, it can be said that not much is known about the Omicron variant and further studies are underway. But with the spread of the Omicron variant, researchers also shared thoughts of the COVID-19 virus becoming endemic.
The health implications of the Omicron strain are still being tested by scientists around the world, however, the number of positive COVID-19 tests in South Africa indicate that this new strain is potentially fast-spreading because the Omicron strain has a high number of mutations in the ‘spike protein’ associated with COVID-19. [2]
It is essential to maintain safety protocols as the virus is already spreading in India and other nations like Israel, the United Kingdom, the US, Belgium, Botswana, Canada and Hong Kong. The WHO considers this as a Variant of Concern (VOC) for now and many countries gearing up to issue travel bans as a response to stop its spread.
You should feel better within a couple of weeks after getting infected with covid and getting appropriate treatment, if your symptoms persist beyond 4-8 weeks, you should follow up with your doctor to rule out long covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
By now, you might be feeling quite gloomy after knowing that several subvariants and sublineages of Omicron have been confirmed in India. You might also wonder how these new variations affect you and their health implications. There are a lot of assumptions like getting affected by the Omicron strain is more likely for people who have already been affected by COVID-19 before. Only mild infections have been noticed among individuals affected by this strain.
There are concerns about sublineages of the Omicron strain having the ability to evade the immune system and cause breakthrough vaccine (infection after getting vaccinated). Whether the Omicron strain can trigger severe symptoms and effects will be confirmed only after further testing. For now, reinfection of individuals remains the most considerable risk.
It’s too early to state anything specific about the characteristics or severity of the new subvariants. It is important to stay calm, not panic and follow all safety measures sincerely.
Several subvariants of Omicron – BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.75 and many more have been identified in different countries across the globe. It is important to understand that all of these subvariants or sublineages are of Omicron variant of Covid-19 which is classified as a Variant Of Concern (VoC) therefore all these subvariants are also categorised as VoC. With the ongoing studies, more information on the rate of transmission and severity of these subvariants can be gained.
Omicron is a variant of COVID virus due to mutation. Omicron shows a 13-fold increase in viral infectivity and is 2.8 times more infectious than the Delta variant. That’s why it’s a variant of concern.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The delta variant of COVID-19 was discovered first in India and was responsible for the 2nd wave of the pandemic in the country. According to current studies, the Omicron variant has many more mutations in its spike protein than the delta variant. It is assumed that this variant is more transmissible than the delta variant, which can cause concern.
The delta variant of the virus is responsible for heavy infections and mortality. The delta variant of the virus is a lethal variant and current reports are yet to confirm the severity of illness caused by the Omicron variant. The reinfection and transmissibility rates are predicted to be much higher in the Omicron variant. But, more studies and data are needed to understand this variant better.
Also Read: Omicron vs Other Variants
There have been no reports of any unusual symptoms noticed in people affected by the omicron subvariants so far. Thus, the current scenario suggests that symptoms of the Omicron sub-variant can be the same as what was being noticed in the earlier strains of the virus. Some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include – fever, weakness, loss of smell, shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of taste, sore throat, cough, stomach ache and diarrhoea. A person may present with a few or more of the symptoms mentioned. We are yet to receive confirmatory data on the severity and symptoms of the new subvariants of Omicron. [4]
The SARS-CoV-2 RT- PCR and Rapid antigen test (RAT) for Covid-19 can detect COVID-19 infection even with the new virus strains reported at present. This will not confirm the type of variant or sub-variant samples of suspected people reported positive by RT-PCR test are sent for genome sequencing for confirmation of the Variant type.
The best way to stay safe currently is by following all WHO and Government-mandated safety measures for Omicron –
BA.2.75 is said to have a higher transmission rate than other Omicron sub-lineages. Surveillance for the new sub-variants has been increased in all countries, including India, to monitor the spread. Symptoms are more or less similar for different sub-variants. We must be aware and safe by following Covid’s appropriate behaviour to the best possible.
The Omicron sub-variants are spreading rapidly but on a positive note, we have a strong vaccination drive in place. People who have been affected by severe COVID-19 previously or those with other comorbidities need to stay extra cautious as the rate of reinfection is thought to be high in some of the new subvariants. If you follow all safety protocols and maintain good hygiene, you can lower the risk of infection from the new variant. Be responsible for limiting the spread of the virus and encourage the maintenance of safety protocols among your peers.
Also Read: Do Existing Vaccines Work Against Omicron?
Q1. Can Omicron kill you?
Ans: Scientists are yet to confirm how deadly the Omicron variant might turn out to be. One must follow all safety measures to minimise the risk of infection.
Q2. Can the Omicron virus evade vaccines?
Ans: As per reports, it is too early to establish a statement on the efficacy of vaccines against the new Omicron virus. At the same time, there is no evidence to suggest the ineffectiveness of vaccines against the new COVID variant. Vaccines are always going to help humans in this battle against the virus.
Q3. How was the Omicron virus formed?
Ans: It is the prime nature of a virus to evolve as it spreads and replicates from host to host. Mutations can bring about changes like the virus- making it weak at times and strong as well. With regards to the formation of this virus, there are three assumptions; one, the virus first infected an animal and then spread amongst humans. Two, around mid-2020, the strain had already started doing the rounds and by the end of 2021, it had undergone a significant degree of mutations and was in a very transmissible stage. Three, another assumption is that the virus probably evolved in an immunocompromised person and then started spreading to others. Needless to say, none of these claims is backed by solid proof and remain debatable.
Q4. Where was the Omicron variant discovered?
Ans: As per news reports, the origin country of the Omicron virus is South Africa.
Q5. When was the Omicron virus first detected?
Ans: The Omicron virus was first detected in South Africa in November 2021.
Q6. Has the Omicron virus arrived in India?
Ans: Yes, Omicron and its several subvariants have been reported in India.
Q7. Will schools be shut down due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: It is being estimated that physical attendance in schools might see a drop owing to the circulation of news about the increase in cases due to subvariants of the Omicron virus.
Q8. Will there be another lockdown due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: Following the Omicron Virus positive test results in India, the Health Ministry has officially announced that there will not be any need for a lockdown immediately. However, the public is strongly advised to follow all appropriate Covid guidelines and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Q9. Will the Omicron virus end the Pandemic?
Ans: There is no evidence to confirm that the Omicron virus will end the pandemic.
Q10. Will the Omicron virus affect travel?
Ans: Following reports of the Omicron virus, the Union Health Ministry has laid specific travel guidelines for international passengers. Even if you are planning domestic travel, check the travel guidelines of that particular area and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Q11. Is the Omicron Virus fast-spreading?
Ans: Based on the mutations present in the new COVID variant, there are predictions that the Omicron virus may spread faster than the previous variants. But we need to wait for some more time to understand the exact nature of this virus.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest Updates and News
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
