DNA Explainer: Difference between Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V and possible side effects

Sputnik V is the third COVID-19 vaccine to get approval for use in India, followed by Oxford-Astrazeneca's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories will manufacture the vaccine in India.

Sputnik V is an adenovirus-based vaccine that is being used by Russia for mass vaccination and has been approved by over 59 countries around the globe. All the three approved vaccines for use carry good benefits in mitigating the risks of the harmful COVID-19 virus, but with some noteworthy differences as well.

Sputnik V is also known as Gam-COVID-Vac. This Russian vaccine is a combination of two different adenoviruses (Ad26 and Ad5), which are the viruses that cause the common cold. These adenoviruses are combined with SARS-CoV-2 for treatment, which prompts the body to make an immune response to it.

Today we bring before you the basic difference between the three approved vaccines in India. However, it's important to remember that all vaccines under use meet approval and safety standards and almost equally effective in preventing COVID-19 infections. 

Efficacy of Sputnik V, Covishield and Covaxin

The interim results of the clinical trials conducted in Russia found that Sputnik V carried a whopping 91.6% efficacy rate and high response in curbing down the severity of the disease.

In comparison to this, India's Covaxin, which has been recently found to be neutralizing against the UK variant virus is over 81% effective.

Covishield, being used globally has over 70.4% efficacy, which could be further pushed up to 90% if doses are spaced weeks apart.

Side-effects of Sputnik V

Most of these side-effects, while do resolve in a matter of days, can also differ from person to person. The nature of these side effects could also be minimally different from one vaccine to another.

Russia, Sputnik V was one of the first registered coronavirus vaccines authorized for use globally. The viral vector vaccine works by triggering antibody production and hence, causes routine inflammatory reactions, most of which are mild in nature.

The most common side effects of the vaccine include headache, fatigue, pain at the injection site, and flu-like illness. Serious side effects or adverse reactions haven't been observed yet. 

Side-effects of Covaxin

Covaxin since is prepared in a traditional way, it is considered to be largely safe for use and has fewer side effects too, in comparison to mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer shots.

As per the Covaxin fact sheet and regulatory guidelines, inoculation rounds have showcased people getting side effects like redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, fever, sweating and or chills, malaise, body ache, nausea, and vomiting, itching, and rashes and headache.

Other reports on Covaxin also added that it works by teaching the immune system to make antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Those suffering from bleeding disorders, immunocompromised, using blood thinners, pregnant, breastfeeding, or with a history of allergic reactions to any of the vaccine ingredients are advised to not take the vaccine right now.

Side-effects of Covishield

While studies proved that the Covishield vaccine is safe for use and adverse reactions 'rare', there are some major side effects one can expect like pain at the injection site, redness, moderate or high fever, drowsiness and lethargy, arm stiffness and body ache and pain.

There have also been some unpleasant side effects, including blood clots reported mostly from European countries.