Sputnik V outshines both the Covishield and Covaxin, says research

SRINAGAR — Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine has produced better results as compared to the Covishield and Covaxin in efficacy tests performed by various health organizations and testing agencies. The clinical trials show 92% effectiveness compared to 78-95% for Covaxin and 70-90% for Covishield in terms of their effectiveness.

Bharat Biotech International Limited based in Hyderabad develops Covaxin whereas Covishield is developed by Oxford Astra Zeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India.

The difference between both these vaccines is Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine, the process involves complex Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero cell-derived technology. It is considered an immune booster that teaches the human body to prepare a defence system against the virus. However, the process of preparing Covishield is completely different as it involves the Viral Vector Platform in which the Chimpanzee Adenovirus-ChAd0x1 is modified to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into human cells. This virus affects the primate world and hence has no complication for human beings, yet it will very well teach the human body to fight against the virus.

A similar kind of formula and process was used while preparing the vaccine for Ebola that wreaked havoc in Africa: it requires two doses of all three mentioned vaccines to achieve the possible efficacy against the virus. However, the dosage periods differ, as Covaxin requires both doses to be administered within 4-6 weeks while 12-16 weeks are required for Covishield vaccines.

What’s not to worry about?

Despite many speculations, rumours, and misconceptions about the vaccines that are currently under use whether Covaxin or Covishield, the common side effects such as headache, pain in joints, dizziness, fever, and body-ache are some of the side effects but not harmful or life-threatening. People who have died due to the vaccination had already been infected by Coronavirus and had multiple medical complications. Though, there are no persistent side effects and all of these disappear within the span of two days.

What people should consider?

The fact that 233 million doses of Covid vaccines have been administered with single doses and more than 45 million people have been given two doses, health experts and top officials have stated that both Covishield and Covaxin are highly effective on mutated viruses from UK, Brazil, and South Africa.

In addition, the Sputnik V is given nod by the health ministry under emergency use. Sputnik V is manufactured by Dr. Reddy’s in India in addition to six other major firms which are also listed to manufacture the vaccine.

After all the preliminary tests, the study conducted by the health ministry has not found any side effects in Sputnik V. This vaccine is administered between the 21 days interval period.

Is it worth the wait?

Another study found that after two doses of Covid vaccines, the risk of contracting the Coronavirus is just around 0.03% in the case of Covishield and 0.04% in Covaxin.

The government of India has provided multiple platforms through which people can register themselves for vaccines. Despite so many positives, some people are still afraid of registering for Covaxin and Covishield.

The Sputnik V has been approved by 60 countries around the world including EU nations along with the Middle Eastern and South American countries. For those not willing to go for either of the two vaccines manufactured in India, the Sputnik V makes a strong candidate.

Although there is still some time left before it could be made available for mass-scale use, the better part of the vaccine is that not a single death was caused due to the administration of the Sputnik V vaccine. Even though there were some rumours about it as well but none has been proved until date.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are for educational purpose alone and is by no means a way of sorting an alternative for the treatment. People must consult doctors for specific matters in this regard.