Supressing the Pandemic: Analysing the Efficiency of Indian COVID-19 Vaccines

As the Novel Coronavirus spread globally and has affected billions of lives all over the globe. The COVID-19 outbreak has shaken the global health system and world economy by its roots as it was unexpected and showed no symptoms of slowing down. Vaccination is the only potential and economic means to control or stop the pandemic.  Research institutions and pharmaceutical ventures around the world are currently working towards the development of a suitable coronavirus vaccine.

Today, we will be analysing the India’s strategy of dealing with the pandemic, a brief about the two major vaccine players and some important things that one must know before getting a COVID vaccines.

Analysing the India’s Strategy of Supressing the Pandemic

In 2020, the pharmaceutical companies and healthcare systems around the world experienced the major challenge to deal with the Pandemic. By December 2020, we have at least 12 vaccine players who received approvals globally. As we enter the New year 2021, India has gotten the license for manufacturing two COVID-19 vaccines under the “Made in India” scheme. The two vaccines are COVISHIELD, made by Serum Institute of India in collaboration with Oxford-AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. We will be getting to know a few more details about the two vaccines in the next few minutes.

What vaccines have been launched?

New Year 2021 carried grins to the essence of individuals, as individuals heard the information on the vaccination drive to start in India. The inoculation drive was set to start in the mid of January and was supported by Serum Establishment of India’s Immunization (Covishield) which thus has the sponsorship of stage 3 preliminary finished by UK based Oxford-AstraZeneca partnership The vaccine is developed from a weakened version of a common cold virus (Adenovirus) from chimpanzees. The vaccine formula has been modified to make the immune system start making antibodies. It makes it eligible to suppress any attack from coronavirus infection. However, the vaccine showed an efficacy of 75% after the first dose.

Several other vaccines are in the process of development. Another vaccine has been developed and launched by homegrown government-backed vaccine maker, Bharat Biotech. The pharma manufacturer has a portfolio of developing 16 vaccines and exports them to 123 countries. Bharat Biotech has developed Covaxin which increased the pace of immunization drive. It is an inactivated vaccine that contains killed coronaviruses, making it safe to b into the body. When the vaccine is injected, immune cells recognize the dead virus, prompting the immune system to make antibodies against the pandemic virus. The vaccine has been approved for restricted use in emergencies by the manufacturer and drug regulator as it is safe and provides a robust immune response.

However, both the vaccines follow the same administration guidelines and storage guidelines. The vaccines can be safely stored at temperatures of 2C -8C. Now, that we have some knowledge about the two COVID-19 vaccines, we will be making you aware of some of the information that will clear your all doubts about the vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions and Must-Know Facts about the COVID Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are signs that your body is building the extra layer of protection, which will fade away in few days. It is believed that we need at least 70-80 percent of our population to be immune to COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity. This immunity could be achieved either by natural infection or vaccination and may require at least 60 percent of the population to be vaccinated depending on the efficacy of the vaccine. Let us get to know some of the FAQs and essential information about COVID-19.

Q. Who will receive the vaccine?

A. Government has identified high-risk groups that have to be vaccinated on priority as follows:

• The first group includes healthcare and frontline workers
• The second group will be the persons over 50 years and persons with high comorbidities.
• The vaccine will be made available to all others in need at a later stage.

Q. What are the risks of COVID-19 Vaccine?

Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include:

• Tenderness, Pain, Warmth, Itching, Swelling, or bruising
• Feeling Tired, Chills, Headache, Nausea, Muscle Pain
• A lump at injection site, Flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, running nose, cough, and chills
• Feeling Dizzy, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, excessive sweating, itchy skin, or rash.

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Covid-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. COVID-19 Vaccines are still being studied in clinical trials. Inform the nearest health authorities, in case you subsequently feel any discomfort or uneasiness.

Q. Does a COVID recovered person need to take the vaccine shot?

A. It is advisable to receive a complete schedule of vaccine irrespective of the history of infection as it will help you in developing a strong immune response.

Q. As there are number of vaccine candidates, how are the vaccines chosen for administration?

A.  As a beneficiary, you do not need to stress about it as safety and efficacy data from clinical trials of vaccine candidates are examined by the Drug Regulator before granting the license. Hence, all licensed COVID-19 vaccines will have comparable safety and efficacy. It must be ensured that the entire schedule of vaccination is completed by only one type of vaccine.

Q. What should you mention to your healthcare provider before you get COVID-19 Vaccine?

A. Tell the healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including:

• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any drug, food, any vaccine, or any ingredients of COVID-19 vaccine.
•  If you have fever, bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner.
• If you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding or, If you have received another COVID-19 vaccine.

Q. How do I know if I am eligible for vaccination?

A. Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number regarding   their Health Facility for vaccination and its scheduled time.

Q.  How many doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine would have to be taken and at what interval?

Two doses of Vaccine, 28 days apart, needed to be taken by an individual to complete the vaccination schedule.

Everyone needs to continue following standard operating protocol to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

Even if you have been vaccinated, cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often. As 30 lakh beneficiaries have gotten their shots as a part of the immunization drive that starts in January, there is more to the COVID-19 vaccine because more players are coming to the market as they await clinical trial results. It is necessary for you all to follow the standard operating protocol of wearing a mask and maintain social distance till the government and other high official bodies declare that the pandemic is over.

India is also exporting the vaccines to the rest of the world after considering domestic requirements and international demands and obligations. India has been increasing its friend list and this will help build connections and international goodwill into the healthcare and pharma industry.   Indian Pharma Network is the right platform for Indian patients to procure life-saving medicines that are not available in India. By engaging the experts in the pharmaceuticals industry, patients can access authentic services for Blinatumomab-Blincyto treatment in India.

Reach out to the team of best pharmaceutical consultants at Indian Pharma Network as they will also provide advice and any medication that you need from any part of the globe.

Visit: https://indianpharmanetwork.co.in/

Or

Call Mr Neeraj Nagpal on 9811747774

References:

• https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/expert-blog-mission-2021-covid-19-vaccines-and-dealing-with-newer-strains-of-novel-coronavirus-55267/
• https://science.thewire.in/health/coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-india-containment-delay-mitigation-lockdown-responsible-citizens/
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55748124
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/blunt-frank/covid-19-vaccine-an-opportunity-for-india-to-seek-greatness/