The COVID-19 pandemic affected a vast number of people all over the world. As a result, various researchers and healthcare companies are working tirelessly to formulate effective vaccines that can immunize human bodies to fight against the virus.
The demand for vaccines is increasing day by day. Novavax is a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It has developed a protein vaccine with its genetically advanced engineering technology that takes a new approach to protect and give immunity against the COVID-19.
The Novavax vaccine involves a nanoparticle carrier that tricks the immune system to launch a response to fight off the virus from the body. Like the other vaccines, the Novavax vaccine has two doses. However, the time duration between the doses is just 21 days.
The Novavax vaccine contains a spike protein formula. The vaccine comprises a part of the genetic sequence of a virus that tricks the body’s immune system to fight against the COVID-19.
It also contains an essential adjuvant named Novavax Matrix B that increases the number of antibodies in the blood.
Novavax Inc. conducted clinical trials to determine the efficacy rate, safety and immunogenicity of the Novavax vaccine against the COVID-19. In January 2021, the company first announced the preliminary results of the trials. The vaccine showed promising efficacy during the trials in preventing the original COVID-19 virus and some other virus variants. The data shows the efficacy rate was 96.4% against COVID-19.
On June 14, 2021, the phase 3 clinical trials were completed by Novavax Inc, along with the U.S government, which involved 29,960 participants from different cities of the U.S. and Mexico. The results show the overall efficacy rate of the Novavax vaccine against the COVID-19 was around 90.4%.
The consistent data of the trial results were positive. They showed that it could also increase the body’s immunity to fight against the other variants of the coronavirus-like COVID delta variant. The vaccine shows good potential results against moderate as well as severe cases of COVID-19.
The phase 3 clinical trial further showed a significant success rate among high-risk groups like people above 65 years and comorbid patients. However, the vaccine showed a low efficacy rate against the South African variant of the virus with a rate of just 49%.
As per the recent announcement by Novavax Inc, after completing the phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine, they are one step closer to meet the global demand for vaccines to fight against the COVID-19. Their Novavax vaccine is ready to be administered to an age group above 18 years. Moreover, the elderly patient with comorbidities is also eligible to take the Novavax vaccine.
As the U.S government does not yet approve the vaccine, Novavax Inc. is planning to file for emergency authorization in the third quarter of the year. However, the US FDA has suggested they file for full approval, as the emergency condition in the U.S has been controlled and three vaccines are already in use.
The US FDA has stated that other countries could get access to this vaccine before the U.S. This can prove highly beneficial for developing countries like India and other countries such as South Korea, etc.
Now, Novavax Inc. is testing their vaccine on the age group of 12-18 years. The trial has been conducted for this and around 2248 individuals have already participated in this trial. Novavax Inc. has announced that they will continue to work with a sense of urgency to complete the regulatory submissions and fulfil the demand for vaccines.
Novavax Inc. agreed with Serum Institute of India Private Limited to manufacture vaccines in India by technology transfer. In India, the vaccine produced by Serum Institute using Novavax vaccine technology is called Covovax.
As stated by the Serum Institute of India CEO, Mr Adar Poonawalla, the Novavax vaccine has great potential to prevent COVID-19 successfully. Furthermore, given the experience of the development of the malaria vaccine, they believe in the power of Novavax Inc. genetic technology.
To immunize the Indians with the Novavax vaccine to fight against the COVID-19, both the institutes combined and started conducting a trial in India.
The data generated by the trials show that this vaccine shows a high efficacy rate in increasing the body’s immunity to fight against COVID-19.
According to the latest vaccine news in India, The Novavax vaccine, marketed as Covovax in India may be available to the common people from September 2021.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the need for vaccines to address public health has been a significant matter of concern worldwide. As a result, several vaccines have been manufactured till now to fulfil the requirements.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has shown high vaccine efficacy against the COVID-19 and is ready to address the global need.
Novavax vaccine has completed its phase 3 clinical trial with a consistent high efficacy rate in moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. In addition, the data coming from phase 3 clinical trials have shown success among the high-risk population like elderly people with comorbid conditions. Also, the Novavax vaccine could increase immunity against other variants like the COVID delta variant. The trials to test the Novavax vaccine on children between 12 – 18 years of age have already begun in some countries of the world.
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.
From 21st June 2021, the Indian federal government has opened up a free COVID-19 vaccination drive for everyone above 18 years of age. Even though the rules have been specified for all people, a few frequently asked questions ever since the vaccination drive began in March 2021 has been, ”Is there a COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and lactating women?” ”Are COVID-19 vaccine pregnancy safe?”
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), in its notification on 28th May 2021, stated that all lactating mothers are now eligible to get vaccinated. Although the vaccination rules for COVID and lactating moms have been specified, the rules for pregnant women and the answer to ”Are COVID-19 vaccines pregnancy safe?” are still inconclusive.
Let us understand the safety and rules of the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and lactating women.
Some countries have already begun vaccination for pregnant women. However, due to the availability of limited data, COVID vaccination of pregnant women has not been started in India. Studies and trials to understand the safe use of these vaccines during pregnancy are going on.
None of the approved vaccines being used in the world contains a live virus, there is no chance that you may get a COVID infection due to a vaccine.
Pregnancy is a very delicate phase for a woman and during this time, ensuring the wellness of the mother and her unborn child is essential. Good care of diet and lifestyle along with all safety precautions for COVID should be followed during pregnancy. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are important.
However, expecting mothers have not been given any direction to take the COVID-19 vaccine in India due to insufficient data that proves these vaccines are safe for them. Trials to determine the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines are still underway. We can expect some guidelines on this in the coming future. As per the current guidelines, pregnant women in India should wait till childbirth for their vaccination and take a jab post-delivery after discussing it with the treating doctor.
Apart from pregnant women, another common question that most people had was, ”Can breastfeeding women take the vaccine for COVID-19?”. Concerns about breastfeeding and COVID have been addressed and after some considerations, the NTAGI advised that all women can take the vaccine anytime after their delivery.
This recommendation came after the studies showed that the vaccine does not impact breast milk flow or supply in any way. In addition, some studies are trying to find out if vaccinated lactating mothers may be able to transmit COVID-19 antibodies to their babies.
All the breastfeeding mothers can now take a Covid vaccine in India.
Pregnant women and new lactating mothers have been anxious about the safety of their baby and their health. If you are a new mother, here are some precautions that you can take while breastfeeding or taking care of your baby:
Pregnant women and lactating mothers need special attention and care during these challenging times. If you have decided to get vaccinated, discuss and consult with your healthcare provider before taking your jab. Here are some things you must remember:
Also, remember that vaccination does not guarantee 100% immunity against COVID-19. However, it prepares your body with the antibodies required to prevent any severe condition due to the virus, especially when your body is undergoing many changes due to pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.
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.
Equal access to effective and safe vaccines is critical to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is encouraging to see a number of vaccines being tested and developed. Countries across the globe are working continuously to develop, manufacture and commercialise effective vaccines. These vaccines are revolutionary tools, but for the foreseeable future, we must continue to wear masks, wash hands frequently, keep rooms well ventilated, avoid crowds and maintain social distance.
As more and more people have now been declared eligible for vaccination, the question of when and why to take a vaccine after recovering from a COVID 19 infection has grabbed a lot of attention. The need for vaccination after COVID-19 infection is an important issue to be addressed. The strength of immunity after COVID-19 is questionable, making vaccination efficacy a topic of interest among researchers.
After you get a COVID 19 infection, your body prepares to fight the infection. The white blood cells produce antibodies specific to the antigen – a protein presented by the infecting virus. In a person who was vaccinated previously, the immune system recognises the virus and quickly produces specific antibodies to control the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. In a person who has not been vaccinated previously, the body takes some time to develop an immune response to fight the infection.
You can think of antibodies as soldiers in your body’s defence system. Every antibody or soldier in our system has been trained to recognise a target antigen.
Government studies have shown that after someone is infected with COVID-19, our body naturally develops a protective mechanism. After being infected with the COVID-19 virus, it may take two to three weeks to form enough antibodies to be detected in an antibody test, so it is important not to test too early.
Antibodies against Covid-19 can be found in your body for several months following the recovery from COVID-19 or more. However, the strength of this natural immunity was found to be most effective only within eight months after being infected with COVID-19. And the effective range is 5 – 7 months in mild cases of COVID-19. The duration and extent of protection that you expect from these antibodies is still being studied.
The 90-day gap post-recovery from COVID infection optimises your vaccine protection. A longer gap between infection and vaccination is likely to lead to a better immune response and result in longer protection from reinfection.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
There are many types of COVID 19 vaccines that are being developed. Vaccines may carry a virus as dead, attenuated or inactive parts of antigens that can trigger an immune response in the body. The vaccine does not contain an active virus, but it contains some part of the viral protein or genetic material that may be sufficient to trigger an immune response against COVID-19 infection. The vaccine in itself is incapable of causing infection or disease Instead, it makes the immune system as responsive as it did when it first responded to a real COVID-19 virus.
So, it allows your body to form its defence against the virus without actually having to fight it. One to two weeks after vaccination, your body will produce the antibodies needed to fight the virus. Most vaccines are effective above 80% and their immunity lasts for a long period of time. The good news is that your immune cells get trained to fight the infection after vaccination and save this memory. In case of future encounters with COVID-19 infection, the white blood cells multiply rapidly and efficiently produce the specific antibodies based on their memory of the vaccine and stop the spread of infection.
Although we have gathered enough information and our country is moving forward with the vaccination campaign, the question of COVID-19 vaccination eligibility remains in public.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most people over the age of 18, including those with any pre-existing disease, including autoimmune diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, lung disease, liver disease, renal (kidney) diseases and chronic diseases. Make sure to mention your doctor if your immune system is weak, pregnant or breastfeeding or have had a severe episode of allergy in the past.
Although previous COVID infection leads to the production of antibodies, the vaccine will act as a booster for your body to fight the virus. Whether or not you have been infected with COVID-19 before, the second dose of vaccine is considered very important to achieve good protection against getting severely sick with COVID-19. It has been seen that the antibody level after vaccination is much higher than the antibody level after natural infection. Therefore, vaccination after recovering from COVID-19 is essential for all adults.
The World Health Organization says that individuals infected with COVID 19 definitely need vaccination. They should be vaccinated 3 months after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have been infected, ask your doctor for clearance and take a full course of the vaccine, i.e. both the shots. The vaccine will act as a booster to your immune response.
Although the World Health Organization recommends waiting at least six months after contracting COVID-19 infection, Indian doctors believe that a waiting period of 2 – 3 months is sufficient. If you have contracted the virus between the two doses, you can defer your second dose for about 2 to 3 months or as advised by your doctor. Whether you have been infected with COVID-19 or not, vaccination is a must.
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.
Currently in India, the world’s largest vaccination drive is being carried out. For now, anyone above the age of 18 can be vaccinated under the programme, provided they don’t have an active COVID-19 virus or aren’t allergic to the vaccine. Even lactating mothers are eligible to get inoculated after consultation from a gynaecologist.
According to current virology research, any person needs to get two vaccine dosages for a complete immunity response against the COVID-19 virus. Hence, skipping a dose is not an advisable option.
However, what happens if a person doesn’t get the second vaccine dosage in the said time frame due to any reason?
The non-availability of the second dose will not affect the immunity received from the first dose. Although it is critical to get the second jab as soon as possible, do not skip taking it if you have surpassed the recommended timeline.
In an interesting case in India, 20 people from Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar were given two different vaccines as their first and second dose. Their first dose was Covishield, whereas six weeks later, they were given a shot of Covaxin as their second dose.
So far, the people who were given a cocktail of these vaccines have not reported any side effects. However, the incident has begun an inquiry to study the effectiveness of administering two different vaccines on immunity.
The centre is carrying out a multitude of studies to understand whether mixing COVID-19 vaccines is possible. They have highlighted three major reasons to carry out the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines:
The ongoing debate on Covishield v/s Covaxin will soon be put to rest if a better immunity response is achieved after mixing them. Although they have entirely different mechanisms, the centre is sure that combining them will yield positive results.
Mixing of vaccines is good as research found people produced antibody responses from all three booster vaccines, no matter which vaccine they had originally received. A booster of a different vaccine caused similar or higher antibody responses than a booster of the same vaccine
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
India is not the first country to consider ‘mixing ‘ the vaccines for further use. Several countries like the UK, USA and Spain are also testing various combinations of the vaccine.
Oxford University is conducting trials between its Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine and Pfizer vaccine. While some people administered a cocktail of these vaccines reported mild side effects, the majority said none.
The UK, Germany and France have already given the green light for combining the two vaccines in exceptional cases, especially for older populations. More trials to understand the efficacy of the combined vaccines is still underway.
Even a study conducted in Spain, where they vaccinated people with both OxfordAstraZeneca and Pfizer’s BioNTech, reported developing a potent immune response against the COVID-19 virus.
A similar experiment is being conducted in the USA between Moderna’s and Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines.
Some experts have reported that combining the vaccines may be necessary if the virus mutates in the long run. Even a booster dose of a different vaccine may be essential if limited immunity has been achieved from two doses of the same vaccine.
Although studies revealed that there were higher immunogenic reactions to the booster of a vaccine than the primary vaccine, these being milder and resolved with paracetamol, this different booster elicited a better immune response and this response improves over time.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
The Indian Government has successfully distributed over 23 crore vaccines to all states in India. The centre is planning to procure over 75% of the vaccines directly from the manufacturers and is gearing up to provide free vaccines to everyone over 18.
Dr NK Arora (Chairman of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) said that, if found effective, the mixing of both Covishield and Covaxin can boost India’s vaccine drive by several folds.
The feasibility of mixing COVID-19 vaccines could easily amplify India’s administration to 20 – 25 crores per month. It is almost a 50% boost in supply and may help achieve India’s Vaccination target.
The vaccines Covaxin and Covishield have been approved for people over the age of 18. However, given the large number of people residing in India, most of them concentrated in the rural regions, immunising the entire population is a mammoth task.
While many people think that the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines may help to make up for the vaccination shortage in India, but it is important to understand that it will require thorough testing and research to ensure its safety and effectiveness. As per the current studies and advisories, it is not allowed to mix two doses of different vaccines. You have to take the second dose of the same vaccine you took your first jab with.
The Head of India’s COVID-19 Taskforce, VK Paul, in an interview, has said that it is ”scientifically and theoretically” possible to mix the two vaccines. However, it will require “robust scientific evidence” to be carried out.
Without appropriate evidence, mixing two vaccines may prove to be more lethal than useful and endanger the lives of thousands of people. But, if it is found to be successful and safe, the centre will implement it in the near future.
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.
Corbevax is the latest in the line of COVID-19 vaccines that are soon to get approval under the Emergency Use Approval (EUA) policy in India. According to the most recent news, this vaccine from Biological E might turn out to be one of the cheapest options on the market, pending the vaccine passing stage 3 trials.
As per hints from statements made by Mahima Datla (the Managing Director at Biological E), although the pricing is yet to be finalised it seems that the 2 doses of the Corbevax vaccine could be as little as Rs. 500 (Rs 250 per shot) or even as low as Rs 400.
As a comparison, the Covishield vaccine is at Rs 300 per dose for the government (Rs 600 for private hospitals) and the Covaxin shot is Rs 400 and Rs 1200 correspondingly. Topping out the list is the Russian Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine at Rs 995 which is being developed in India through Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.
Although still going through stage 3 trials at the moment, Corbevax has shown hopeful results in stage 1 and 2 trials, prompting the government of India to put in an advance order for 300 million doses of this latest COVID-19 vaccine. The government of India has an aspirational goal of administering up to 2 billion vaccine doses to people by December and Corbevax could very well be part of that ambitious plan.
Developed along with the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, Corbevax is classified as a recombinant protein subunit vaccine. Baylor’s National School of Tropical Medicine has been dealing with coronavirus vaccine research of SARS and MERS for over a decade, hence they have the techniques to produce a high-efficiency vaccine. This vaccine works by producing harmless copies of the COVID-19 Coronavirus spike protein by using yeast. The yeast is then removed and the spike protein is purified and put together with an adjuvant so that it can be administered to train the body’s immune system for the real virus.
The spike protein is recognised by the immune system as an intruder and the body reacts and learns to recognise it. The protein itself is thought to have no harmful effect as there is no virus attached to it. In this way, when the real virus infects the person at a later stage, the body is ready to fight against it.
Since many of these processes are similar to those used in preparing the Hepatitis B vaccine with traditional technology, the production costs for Corbevax are quite low. These production similarities are also why Biological E seems confident that they can achieve around 80 million doses a month by August. The company has already started manufacturing early batches of Corbevax at their own risk in anticipation of EUA.
India’s vaccine drive is currently hampered by a sheer lack of available vaccines for its massive population. Biological E’s Corbevax is exceptionally good news, as pending a successful stage 3 trial, it means India will have another source of COVID-19 vaccines to fight back against the pandemic. In the meantime, continue following the COVID protocol and try booking a vaccine slot for your loved ones and yourself.
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.
Covid-19 has continued relentlessly in the country and the world for the last year and a half. Currently, the nation is battling the second wave of the pandemic, with over two lakh new Covid-19 cases being registered daily in India. Though the curve for the second wave is at its declining phase now, it has left us worrying and speculating the third wave. This could mean another surge in the number of infections at the national level.
However, there is good news about the Covid-19 vaccine. More than four crore Indians have been fully vaccinated and at least nineteen crores have received their first dose. The present eligibility status for the vaccines is eighteen and above and it includes lactating mothers. Also, India has reported clotting and bleeding in just 6 out of 10 million doses of Covishield administered. So, are you a Covid-19 survivor considering whether or not to take the vaccine? Read on to find your answers.
Getting vaccinated is one of the surest ways for a person to gain immunity against Covid-19. But what about a person who has recently contracted the infection? Can they delay getting the vaccine jab or do they need to hurry?
Though the chances of being infected with Covid-19 twice are slim, getting the jab will effectively reduce such risks that can complicate your case. The vaccine also protects you from the mutant variants of the virus. Thus, even if you have caught the virus and are presently immune to it because of the presence of post-infection antibodies, the vaccine will help to further boost protection. Thus, it is wise not to ignore getting the vaccine.
Think of the vaccine as a way to get longer-lasting, consistent immunity against Covid-19 India because there is no concrete evidence on how long the post-infection immunity lasts. Besides, you need the Covid-19 vaccine post-infection because you might be an asymptomatic carrier and inadvertently spread the virus further.
Vaccines for the general public are to be scheduled as and when available. But those who have recently tested positive or are in recovery after contracting the virus can delay the vaccination for several weeks. Past infections with coronavirus give natural immunity to a person for a while, though the exact timeframe is yet to be known.
As per the recommendations of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19, patients who have already been infected can take the vaccine three months after their recovery. Those who have been infected after getting their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine also need to wait for three months before getting their second dose.
The usual timeframe for the vaccine is also worth mentioning in this regard. In the case of Covishield, after four weeks have passed, the next dose can be taken whenever possible, but within eight weeks. The earlier limit for Covishield was six weeks, but it has now been extended to eight weeks. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken between four to six weeks after the first. It is essential to state that vaccine doses are safe no matter when you take them. However, the effects are not as pronounced if taken within a month of getting the first dose.
The country is also facing a shortage of vaccines despite doubling production recently. So, delaying your dose by three months is not an issue if you have been infected with the virus before.
The connection between the vaccine for Covid-19 and blood clots is a highly discussed topic at present. As per a report submitted by the National AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation) Committee to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, there is a very minuscule but definitive risk of thromboembolic events following vaccination.
Instances of bleeding and clotting stand at 0.61 for every million doses, which the committee says is in line with the expected number of diagnoses of such conditions. In fact, it is way lower than the four cases per million reported by the Medical and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) of the United Kingdom. In preparing the report, the AEFI committee completed an in-depth case review of 498 serious and severe events, of which 26 cases have been reported to be potentially thromboembolic.
The term thromboembolic refers to the formation of a clot in a blood vessel that might also break loose and be carried by the bloodstream to plug another vessel. The complications arising from this can be life-threatening, such as heart attack or stroke. The symptoms of the condition include:
Such symptoms occur within twenty days of taking a vaccine shot, particularly of Covishield. AEFI reported that there were no potential thromboembolic events reported following the administration of the Covaxin vaccine.
However, it is also important to remember that Covishield has definite benefits in terms of preventing and reducing the severity of the infection. More than thirteen crore doses of Covishield have already been administered in the country.
It is important to take the vaccine after recovery, provided you follow the minimum waiting period of at least three months after recovery. The vaccines are safe and effective with a good immunogenic response against the Covid-19 virus. Be prudent and get your vaccine when your turn comes.
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.
COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by a family of viruses called the Coronaviruses, resulting in specific flu-like symptoms such as common cold and fever. These viruses have also been the causative agents, earlier for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which had plagued certain parts of the world not many years ago.
COVID -19, the new coronavirus strain, was identified in China and spread from being an epidemic to a pandemic of enormous proportions. The viral strain is now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and due to its origin in 2019, was named COVID-19. The full form of COVID-19 is Coronavirus disease 2019.
The symptoms and signs of COVID-19 would generally appear within the first two weeks of contact and infection with the virus. The common symptoms of the viral infection are:
You may also experience other symptoms such as:
You can prevent getting infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by following these instructions:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer and Moderna, among a few other vaccines for immediate administration in the United States of America. Similarly, in India too vaccines such as Covishield and Covaxin have been approved for administration.
Each vaccine is different in terms of offering protection and immunity to the body. The body is triggered to generate a ”memory” B and T-lymphocytes expected to offer lasting immunity.
Hence, the body takes a few weeks to produce the B and T-lymphocytes. In some cases, the vaccinated individual may also experience fever and body pain in developing immunity. Rest assured, these signs are entirely normal.
Immunity can be triggered to generate these specific cell types by vaccinating. In this regard, several vaccine types have been developed. Presently, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines recommended. These are:
mRNA is the coding genetic material of the body that is directly transcribed into proteins. Therefore, the mRNA vaccines contain the virus’s genetic material that carries instructions to transcribe a harmless unique protein.
When recognised by the body’s defence mechanism, this protein is destroyed, followed by the generation of the protein in the body to destroy viral protein The cells develop a memory to identify it in the event of an infection.
Vector vaccines are a modified version of another virus that closely resembles SARS-Cov-2. The genetic material inside the shell of the modified virus contains a segment of SARS-CoV-2 and is hence called a viral vector. When injected, the genetic material is transcribed into a protein. The body’s immune system eliminates the foreign protein and generates the memory of B and T-lymphocytes for any infection in the future.
As the name suggests, the protein subunit vaccines are harmless segments of the viral protein instead of the whole viral protein injected into the body. The immune system recognises the foreign protein and builds the memory repertoire for any future infections.
The COVID-19 vaccine builds immunity post-vaccination. Despite the apparent benefits, you may experience some side effects post-vaccination, which are entirely normal. These side effects last only a couple of days and may mildly affect your daily activities. These side effects are:
The arrival of new forms of vaccines has been accompanied by many common myths that have prevented many people from getting vaccinated. Some of the myth busters are outlined here. These are:
Some vaccines that have been manufactured require more than one shot to develop adequate immunity in the body. These are:
The bottom line is that out of all the precautions, vaccinations are considered a step closer to protection than the other preventative measures. It is vital for people who are ill or have comorbidities and can significantly reduce mortality.
Therefore, post-vaccination, you may be able to perform a lot more activities than you could before vaccination. This, however, does not rule out the fact that you must not let your guard down. You must continue to observe all measures, not just for yourselves but also for the people around you.
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 multiple rounds of research and relentless efforts from the medical and scientific community got us our first line of defence against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) – the vaccines.
In India, we have two types of the vaccine – Covishield (manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, partnering with AstraZeneca and Oxford University, who helped develop it) and Covaxin (developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology and manufactured by Bharat Biotech).
These two vaccines were passed under the emergency use authorization issued by Indian regulatory bodies for immediate vaccination to curb the spread of COVID-19. The two vaccines are to be taken in two doses, with a minimum gap of 4 weeks between Covaxin and 12-16 weeks for Covishield.
Vaccines work in different ways, depending on how they have been developed. Globally, there have been 14 vaccines approved by at least one regulatory body that can be administered to the public, while many are still undergoing trials for approval.
Overall, a vaccine puts in a part of the whole of the target virus in the body, which is inactivated or weakened, thus rendered harmless when injected in the body but is potent enough to teach the immune system how to cope with it and thus produce respective antibodies. Depending on which part of the virus is used to make the vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can be categorised as follows:
It is important to know what both vaccines have to offer. But, considering the current surge in cases and knowing that the vaccine is our only option for reducing the burden on the healthcare system, it is advisable to take whichever is available. However, people with comorbidities should consult their doctors before getting the vaccine if any ongoing medication needs to be stopped (especially for patients under immunosuppressive drugs).
Everyone above the age of 18 is eligible for vaccination, including people with existing comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, pulmonary disorders, breathing issues, liver and kidney diseases and chronic infections which are stable and controlled by medication.
Healthcare workers (HCW) and frontline workers (FLW) should take the vaccine on a priority basis, given that they are most vulnerable to getting infected owing to the nature of their work. The elderly population should also be vaccinated on priority, owing to existing comorbidities and age.
Both vaccines are safe and have been tested through various clinical trials before being vetted by regulatory bodies. There have been reports on rare side effects of the vaccines, such as blood clots. But the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks by a huge margin. Moreover, patients on medications like blood-thinners can take the vaccine as it does not affect their health.
Patients with any form of anaphylactic (allergic) reaction to any food items, pharmaceutical drugs or any previous doses of vaccination (not limited to COVID-19 vaccines) are advised not to take the vaccine.
Patients suffering from COVID-19 are advised to wait for at least 3 months after recovery, before taking the vaccine. Patients who have received convalescent plasma (from another donor who has recovered in the past three months) or any other form of anti-COVID-19 antibodies or have any acute illness that may or may not require hospitalisation are also advised not to take the vaccine immediately and wait for 3 months after complete recovery. Expert medical advice is recommended in these cases.
Patients with bleeding disorders, like haemophilia, should consult their doctors for an expert opinion before taking vaccines. Similarly, patients who have been admitted to hospitals due to bleeding disorders are advised not to get vaccinated before discharge.
Children below the age of 18 are advised not to get vaccinated due to insufficient data about this age group. However, large-scale clinical trials are underway that include all age groups and this data should be available soon.
The improved immunity due to the vaccine will effectively reduce life-threatening complications caused by the novel coronavirus and reduce the number of hospitalisations. If one is adequately protected against the virus, one can also protect those around him/her, especially the elderly, those with a compromised immune system and comorbidities and the healthcare workers. This would, in turn, lead to lowering the load on the Indian healthcare system. Vaccination will also ensure fewer deaths due to COVID-19 complications. If one is getting vaccinated, one should understand the benefits of vaccination and educate others about these benefits.
The vaccinating officer asks patients to wait for half an hour inside the vaccination centre to observe any immediate adverse effects that include severe allergic reaction, increased heart rate, dizziness, swelling up of the face and throat and rashes all over the body.
Mild adverse effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, malaise, fever, body ache and headache. The vaccine officer would advise medication in case of prolonged adverse reactions. However, these reactions only last for a day or two before one is fit enough to move again.
Please remember, getting vaccinated does not mean you will not contract COVID-19 later. It means that even if one gets infected, it will not lead to severe complications/hospitalisation. Thus, continue maintaining safety protocols, wearing masks, frequent washing of hands and social distancing.
DISCLAIMER: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, readers should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for a reader’s situation.
After a long, stressful encounter with the COVID-19 virus, the entire world is finally relieved to get access to the vaccines. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine is essential as it protects one against the COVID-19 virus. The approved vaccines have been carefully evaluated for safety and efficacy. Furthermore, they also make the infection less severe even if you contract the virus after vaccination.
As you get jabbed at your turn, you must know the expected side effects and practice the safety protocols before and after vaccination. We have some crucial tips for you as you await your turn to be vaccinated.
The availability of vaccines in India is the light at the end of the tunnel. You may be curious to know more about the types of vaccines available. Here are a few things you should know as you prepare to register for the vaccine.
Once you have registered yourself and got an appointment for vaccination, here are some simple and valuable tips for you:
Carry the ID you used for registration. Visit the centre wearing a double mask and maintain physical distance. Note the type of vaccine you received, as it would serve as a guide to book an appointment for the second dose.
All COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the same way. The vaccine will be injected into the muscle in your upper arm and should not take longer than a few seconds. During vaccination, you must-
Here are some valuable tips that will help you after vaccination:
Remember that the vaccine is merely a prick. Try to overcome your nervousness and anxiety while getting injected. Collect your certificate of vaccination or download it from the Co-Win site. Be responsible citizens and get vaccinated when your turn comes.
Although you have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, remember to take preventive measures, especially in public places. Remember that vaccination does not ensure complete immunity. So continue wearing masks and follow safe hygiene practices for self-protection and prevent virus transmission. Take both doses according to the schedule and encourage other people to get vaccinated. Stay safe, stay strong!
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.
Citizens above the age of 18 are now eligible for the COVID vaccine in India at any private COVID vaccination centre (CVC) from 1st May. To get their shot they need to register on the CoWIN portal.
Book an appointment through the CoWin portal: https://www.CoWin.gov.in/home. You will avail the vaccine at CVCs via an online appointment from CoWIN. Alternatively, you can use Arogya Setu or UMANG. Please use the desktop site to register yourself. On-site registration/appointments will be considered only in special cases. Around 600 million new registrants are likely to register for vaccine appointments in the middle of a sharp upsurge in coronavirus cases.
It is very common to experience symptoms post-vaccination. Many people may feel one or more side effects after the COVID-19 vaccination which includes-a slight fever, headache, nausea or fatigue. According to the experts, these anticipated reactions show that your immune system is learning how to fight the coronavirus.
Schedule your appointment such that there is adequate time for rest afterwards. No preparation is needed for getting the COVID jab. As there are potential side effects, you may keep your schedule flexible to rest properly.
Vaccines boost immunity without infecting the body. You may be worried that taking the COVID-19 vaccines can make you sick with COVID- 19. Nevertheless, these vaccines do not contain live viruses. So, they are safe for you. The immune system instructs the body to react in certain ways. Different kinds of vaccines work in different ways to provide a defence mechanism.
It typically takes about two weeks post-vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will recall how to fight coronavirus in the future. The process of building immunity can cause normal symptoms, like having a fever. The vaccine stimulates blood flow which circulates immune cells. It increases the blood flow so more immune cells can circulate, and it raises your body temperature to kill the coronavirus.
Since so much has been said about side effects post-vaccination, if one does not show any side effects, they may doubt whether the vaccine is working. Whether you have any side effects or not, you get more than 92 per cent protection from the jabs. A combination of factors like age, gender well-being, diet and the environment can be the reason why one would get such reactions to shots or not.
Although side effects are more, still the benefits of taking the vaccine outweigh the risk. The serious side effects like blood clots in heart and brain are 1 in million and still not established side effects.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Some of the common side effects seen in any vaccination:
Remember, these are just body reactions to produce an immune response after vaccination. The reaction to the second dose will be stronger than the first, as your immune system is sent on an overdrive. Doctors believe that post-vaccination symptoms may last for a day or two. They can be resolved easily with a paracetamol tablet taken if needed. Avoid painkillers such as diclofenac.
In case of shortness of breath or giddiness, visit the nearest emergency hospital. Avoid taking any painkillers prior to the COVID-19 vaccination. It may hinder your body’s normal immune response to the vaccine.
Older, frail and immunocompromised individuals are in more need to receive a complete vaccination for covid with booster to prevent complications, hospitalizations and chances of mortality since they are more susceptible for complications and covid severity.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Make sure to stay seated at the clinic/hospital waiting room for 20 minutes post-administration to observe any immediate reactions. The hospital personnel will monitor you for at least 15-30 minutes after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Suppose you develop any side effects that do not resolve or are bothersome; you can immediately contact the healthcare team.
Once you receive your first dose, the government issues a vaccine certificate that provides details about your age, gender and vaccine details, such as the name of the vaccine and the date of administration. It would be best if you got the second dose of the same vaccine to get maximum benefits. So ensure to collect your vaccination certificate.
Side effects are linked to age. The elderly may show lesser side effects than the younger persons, who may have a faster and stronger immune response to the vaccine. Every individual’s immune system is peculiar. Some may have more symptoms post-vaccine; others none at all. The guaranteed long-term side effect is immunity.
The likelihood of personal protection from the vaccine is remarkable. Getting vaccinated may help save you from contracting the severe form of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, chiefly those having a bigger risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines defend against the SARS-CoV-2 virus only, so it is imperative to maintain your health and well-being. Vaccination does not make one invincible.
· Maintain at least six feet distance from other people and avoid get-togethers in large groups, mostly indoors.
· Put on a double layer of the mask when you step out of your house.
· You should scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food or caring for the sick, using the toilet and going out. Alternatively, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
· Do not touch your face with filthy hands.
· Use a tissue or the inner side of your elbow when you sneeze or cough to cover them. Do not spit. Throw used tissues in the dustbin.
· Disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day.
· Be watchful for symptoms like high fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms.
· Monitor your body temperature if symptoms progress.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to 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.
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