Introduction
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, several countries have invested their knowledge and efforts in developing a vaccine to beat coronavirus.
The vaccine will help boost the immune system by building a long-last immunity that can help to fight the virus. The body (once vaccinated) will know how to respond to the virus to flush it out of the system and kill the infection.
What is COVAXIN?
COVAXIN is an inactivated vaccine, consisting of certain bacteria, virus particles, and other pathogens. The vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine in India developed by Hyderabad based company Bharat Biotech, by collaborating with the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology. The National Institute of Virology first isolated the COVID-19 strain from asymptomatic patients. In May 2020, the strain was sent to BBIL, where the researchers studied the strain to develop an inactivated vaccine, now known as COVAXIN. The vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech's BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) high containment facility in Hyderabad.
Once an individual is injected with Covaxin, there is no possibility of a virus to infect or replicate again, as the virus is dead (inactivated). The immune system just has a dead virus inside. It creates an antibody reaction towards the virus, which also boosts your immunity.
The reason behind developing the COVAXIN was the dire need to have adjuvants, i.e. immunological agents that help boost the vaccine’s immune response. The adjuvant,Alhydroxiquim-II present in the vaccine will help illuminate or trigger actions, which will produce a better response of antibodies to the vaccine antigens. Hence, COVAXIN will produce faster antibodies and give long-lasting protection to the immune system from the deadly coronavirus.
The vaccine should be administered in two doses. It should be stored in the temperature between 2 to 8 degree Celsius.
Clinical Trials of Covaxin
Covaxin firstly underwent pre-clinical testing, which means the animal trail. This is done so that during the process of the clinical trial, no human will be hurt. Another reason for the pre-clinical trial is to understand the possible side-effects. Once the pre-clinical trial is successful, then the company can approach the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for approval to start with a clinical trial (human trial). After DCGI’s (Drugs Controller General of India) approval for Phase I & II Human Clinical Trials,the trials commenced from July 2020.
Trial Phase I and II
Indian Council of Medical Research selected 12 sites for the random, placebo-controlled, and blinded experiment clinical trial of the candidates. In December 2020, Bharat Biotech presented the report and results of the COVAXIN trial of phase one through medRxiv, the preprint server of Health Sciences.
The Phase I trial produced a high level of antibodies. These antibodies were elevated until three months in the vaccinated people. On the 104th day, the second vaccine was injected. The first and second clinical trial results show that the vaccine generates antibodies for 6 to 12 months.
Trial Phase III
COVAXIN was approved for the third trial phase in November 2020. After the prosperous results from phase I and II trial, the randomized, blind-experimented, and placebo-controlled trial among the volunteers from 18 years and above was initiated on November 25th 2020.
In this trial stage, 22 sites were covered, including several states like West Bengal, Karnataka, Delhi, and others. As compared to Phase I and Phase II of a clinical trial, the refusal rate for Phase III was exceedingly higher. Only 13000 volunteers were recruited for the vaccination till 22nd December. However, the number of volunteers increased to 23000 on the 5th of January 2021.
With the promising results from the first and second trial, the Union Health Ministry endorsed the safety parameters of COVAXIN. 49 doctors and 13 scientists affirmed this vaccine’s positive effects on killing the virus and boosting the immune system. As a result, the Government of India and Bharat Biotech has started the country’s vaccination from 16th of January 2021.
What is the Efficacy Rate of COVAXIN?
COVAXIN is a technologically advanced vaccination developed to make antigens that can fight the deadly virus. It was created on a highly secure Vero cell platform. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare acclaimed that it has an engrained track record of security and effectiveness in India and a global platform.
During the trial phase, the vaccine has shown only 10% of antagonistic reactions in the participants than other vaccines that have 60% to 70% of adverse effects on the trial participants. Furthermore, Bharat Biotech states that no additional medicine like paracetamol was given to any volunteers to suppress the reaction caused by COVAXIN.
Drugs Controller General of India approved this vaccine based on its effectiveness and security. DCGI states that COVAXIN efficacy rate is 100% and is safe to use, helping fight against the deadly virus.
The World Health Organization has also applauded the decision to give an emergency vaccine to frontline workers. The EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) of COVXIN was provided to get started with the right treatment dose.
What are the Side-Effects of COVAXIN?
Just like other vaccines, the COVAXIN has mild side-effects that stay for a few days. The possible COVAXIN side-effects of health are:
- Mild fever
- Body pain
- Headache
- Allergy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
The company also stated that if there will be any major or adverse side effects, then the company will pay compensation to the participant.
How to Register yourself for Coronavirus Vaccine?
After the approval of COVAXIN, the Government of India decided that the health workers and frontline staff will be the first one to get the vaccine. The decision was taken based on the adversity of their risk while treating COVID-19 positive patients.
In addition to this, people who are 50 years or with comorbidities will also be injected with COVAXIN. It has been said that, for now, the vaccine will not be accessible to masses. However, once the government decides to open the vaccination to the public, they will first have to go through corona vaccine registration online.
So, after COVAXIN registration, the venue, time, and date for the vaccination will be sent to the beneficiary’s registered mobile numbers. The registration process will be simple; all you need is an identity proof like Voter ID, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc.
Furthermore, if you have a Health Insurance Smart Card, you can also use it for the process of registration. The identity of the individual will be verified and recorded before the vaccination. You can search for covid-19 vaccine registration near you in India.
Also Read – Antibody Test for Covid-19: Results, Lab, Cost in India
What is the Covaccine Cost in India?
Bharat Biotech COVAXIN vaccine price, i.e. the COVID-19 vaccine costs start in India at 295 per dose.
Final Thoughts
On 16th January 2021, the largest coronavirus vaccine drive started in India. The vaccination will be injected to the frontline workers and healthcare staff across the nation’s major states.
All the health workers are sure that they can easily manage the pandemic now with this vaccination’s help.
FAQs
● Can a person get vaccination without registration?
Registration for the vaccination is mandatory, as it will be used to provide the individuals for the venue and time details. Moreover, with the help of registration, the team can easily follow up with the participants to gather the results and look for possible side effects.
● Is it important to take vaccination?
The COVAXIN is not obligatory, and it’s voluntary. The Government of India has advised the whole nation to register for the vaccination and completed the entire dosage to boost the immune system and fight with virus.
Moreover, if a person is suffering from hypertension, cancer, diabetes, or other illness, they are at high risk of catching the virus. So, they have been advised to take the complete dose of COVAXIN.
● How many vaccine doses are required?
Bharat Biotech has designed the two-dose vaccine that should be taken 28 days apart.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
