In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, vaccines have emerged as the most effective defense.
Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, has been a key player in this fight. But with a constant stream of information, it’s natural to have questions and concerns.
This comprehensive guide aims to empower you with the latest science-backed information on Covishield.
What is Covishield?
Covishield is the brand name for the AZD1222 vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.
Manufactured under license in India, it’s a viral vector vaccine. Unlike traditional vaccines containing weakened or inactive virus particles, Covishield uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus as a carrier.
This carrier delivers a specific genetic code from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus causing COVID-19) to human cells. Our cells then use this code to create harmless spike proteins, mimicking the virus on the surface.
This triggers the immune system to recognize and develop antibodies against these spike proteins. This way, if you encounter the actual virus, your body is already prepared to fight it off, preventing severe illness.
Understanding Viral Vector Vaccines: The Science Behind Covishield
Viral vector vaccines are a relatively new technology but have shown immense promise in recent years. They offer several advantages:
- Specificity: They deliver only the necessary genetic material, prompting the immune response to target specific viral components.
- Safety: The modified carrier virus cannot replicate within human cells, ensuring safety.
- Effectiveness: Viral vector vaccines can stimulate both antibody and T-cell immunity, providing robust protection.
Effectiveness of Covishield Against COVID-19 Variants
Clinical trials have shown Covishield to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Studies indicate an efficacy of around 76% against symptomatic infections and 81.3% after the second dose.
However, the emergence of new variants like Delta has raised concerns. While Covishield still offers good protection against severe illness from Delta, its effectiveness against mild cases of newer variants might be slightly lower.
This is why booster shots are increasingly recommended to enhance overall protection.
Addressing the Delta Variant and New Strains
The Delta variant, with its increased transmissibility, posed a challenge for many vaccines. However, studies show that Covishield, along with other vaccines, continues to offer significant protection against severe illness and hospitalization from Delta.
New variants are likely to emerge in the future. Scientists are constantly monitoring these variants and adapting vaccine strategies accordingly.
Booster shots formulated to target emerging variants are being developed and rolled out to strengthen the immune response.
Safety of Covishield: Separating Fact from Fiction
Vaccines, like any medication, can have side effects. Covishield is generally well-tolerated, with most people experiencing mild side effects like pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. These typically resolve within a day or two.
There have been rare instances of blood clots reported as a potential side effect with Covishield and other viral vector vaccines.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the risk of blood clots from COVID-19 infection itself is significantly higher compared to the extremely rare possibility associated with vaccination.
Regulatory bodies worldwide have thoroughly reviewed the data and continue to recommend Covishield’s benefits outweigh the minimal risks.
Debunking the Blood Clot Myth
The risk of blood clots associated with Covishield is extremely low, estimated to be around four to eight cases per million vaccinations. This is significantly lower than the risk of blood clots associated with other medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
Common Side Effects of Covishield and How to Manage Them
As mentioned earlier, Covishield is generally well-tolerated. Here’s a breakdown of the most common side effects and how to manage them:
- Pain at the injection site: This is a common reaction and usually subsides within a day or two. You can apply a cool compress to the area for relief.
- Fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches: These flu-like symptoms can occur and typically resolve on their own within 1-3 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) can help manage these symptoms.
- Itching or redness at the injection site: This is a mild allergic reaction and usually goes away on its own. If it persists or worsens, consult your doctor.
Benefits of Getting Vaccinated with Covishield
Vaccination with Covishield offers a multitude of benefits:
- Reduced risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19: This is the most significant benefit. Covishield significantly reduces your chances of becoming critically ill, requiring hospitalization, or even death from COVID-19.
- Reduced risk of long-term complications: COVID-19 can lead to long-term health issues, even in mild cases. Vaccination can help prevent these complications, known as long COVID.
- Reduced transmission: Vaccination reduces the viral load in individuals who do get infected, making them less likely to spread the virus to others. This helps protect your loved ones and the community at large.
- Return to normalcy: Vaccination paves the way for a gradual return to normalcy. It allows for safer interactions with others, participation in social activities, and a sense of security.
Who Should Get Vaccinated with Covishield?
Covishield is recommended for everyone above 18 years of age unless you have specific health conditions or allergies that preclude vaccination. Here’s a breakdown:
- Adults: All adults above 18 are recommended to get vaccinated with Covishield to protect themselves and contribute to herd immunity.
- People with pre-existing medical conditions: Consulting your doctor is crucial before vaccination if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or chronic lung disease. In most cases, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks for people with pre-existing conditions.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: While initial data on Covishield in pregnancy was limited, recent studies have shown it to be safe and effective for pregnant women. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women at high risk of complications from COVID-19. For breastfeeding mothers, Covishield is not a contraindication for breastfeeding.
Considerations for People with Pre-existing Conditions
People with pre-existing medical conditions should discuss vaccination with their doctor. They can assess your individual risk factors and determine if Covishield is the right choice for you. In most cases, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, even for those with pre-existing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covishield
Is Covishield effective against new variants?
While Covishield offers good protection against severe illness from variants like Delta, booster shots are recommended to enhance overall protection against newer variants.
Can I get COVID-19 after being vaccinated with Covishield?
Yes, it’s possible to get a breakthrough infection after vaccination. However, Covishield significantly reduces the severity of illness.
How long does Covishield protection last?
The exact duration of protection is still under investigation. However, booster shots are being recommended to extend and strengthen the immune response.
Where can I get vaccinated with Covishield?
The exact duration of protection is still under investigation. However, booster shots are being recommended to extend and strengthen the immune response.
Conclusion: Covishield – A Valuable Tool in Our Collective Immunity
Covishield remains a crucial weapon in our fight against COVID-19. By understanding its mechanism of action, effectiveness, and safety profile, you can make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting your loved ones and contributing to building herd immunity, ultimately leading us closer to normalcy.