About 300,000 people, mostly medical workers, were vaccinated in India on the first day of a nationwide coronavirus vaccination campaign launched on 16th of Jan 2021.
On the first day of vaccination, about 100 volunteers in each of the 3006 vaccination sites in India completed vaccination. Manish Kumar became the first person to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Hence, we must know what exactly is Covishield and how effective it is? This article will provide you with information about the vaccine “Covishield” and the additional details you need to know about India’s Covid-19 vaccines.
What is COVISHIELD?
Covishield vaccine made by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca is manufactured in India by the Covishield vaccine company Serum Institute of India (SII). The vaccine has been based on a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes chimpanzees’ infections.
Oxford’s Covishield corona vaccine trial started in May and has completed three clinical trials.
For the Corona vaccine trial in India, a total of 3,006 vaccination centers are authorised, which will administer the Covishield vaccine dose to all public and private sector health workers initially.
The authority has recommended administering two doses in an interval of 4-6 weeks. The Covishield vaccine will be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Covishield efficacy rate
Let us have a look at the possible COVID vaccine success rate in India. Covishield has been tested in 4 countries with a demographically diverse population, ensuring that it is safe for use. According to data presented by the Serum Institute of India to authorities, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) stated in a report that Covishield vaccine success rate in India is 70.42%. It is acceptable as most vaccine regulators approve > 50% Covishield efficacy.
Covishield vaccine side effects
As a vaccine in general, coronavirus vaccine side effects on health after vaccination can be mild fever, pain and allergies, but it is generally safe.
Covishield registration and communication
To vaccinate 300 million people, India has also created a bold plan for communication and registration of people who will be immunised.
The Indian government launched “Co-WIN,” a coronavirus vaccine registration online app that will send temperature information from all locations where vaccines will be stored to the New Delhi headquarters.
The Co-WIN application’s powerful and reliable technology will lay the foundation and backing for the national immunisation exercise. It will form the basis of last-mile vaccine management.
The digital platform will also allow sending a message stating register yourself for coronavirus vaccine, which will include the information of where and when you will receive the vaccine, also identifying which dose of the immunisation was administered during the vaccination. You can also find a COVID-19 vaccine registration near you in India through the government web portal.
Also Read – How Long Does Immunity Last After COVID-19 Vaccination
Covishield distribution
The Indian government has bought over 70 freezing chambers, 240 cold chambers, 45,000 ice-cooled refrigerators, 41,000 freezers, 300 solar-charge refrigerators and about 200,000 bathrooms for the vaccination drive especially for more precarious regions, such as close to indigenous communities or rural areas with electricity service problems exist and with the arrival of summer where temperatures in the country can go up to 40°C.
For the huge vaccination work, approximately 150,000 employees in 700 regions have been specially trained. The central government has been working closely with all states, federal territories and stakeholders to carry out the vaccination activities.
Covishield Vaccine Price
The Serum Institute of India said COVID-19 vaccine cost starts in India at around Rs 400 per dose. However, there is no official news from the authorities on the Covishield cost in India.
India’s Role Globally
Globally, India provides more vaccines in quantity than any other country. It can also protect people in 91 other countries by providing more than 1 billion doses of drugs to the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi COVAX AMC (Advanced Market Commitment).
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
