Covishield

Covishield was created by the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and later its production was taken over by the SII (Serum Institute of India). The vaccine was a recombinant version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca covid vaccine.

As per the guidelines set by the Indian Government and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the vaccine is approved to use in emergency cases among 18 and above receivers. The key element in Covishield was the replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoded with SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein.

Produced in genetically modified human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells which are recombinant with-

• ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 CoronaVirus Vaccine (Recombinant) 5 × 10viral particles (vp)
• genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• L-Histidine and L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate
• Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
• Sucrose
• Ethanol
• Polysorbate 80
• Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA)
• Sodium chloride

Intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccines like Covishield need to be administered in the thickest portion of the center of the deltoid muscle. These kinds of muscles are mostly located in the upper arm in adults and upper thigh in infants.

The Vaccine course of Covishield consists of two separate doses of 0.5 ml each which is recommended to be taken in the gap of 4 to 6 weeks.

As per the data available from the outgoing vaccine research, the administration gap between the two can be extended up to 12 weeks. The receiver doesn't have to repeat the 1st dose even if the gap between the two jabs is more than 12 weeks.

As per the data provided by the government of India, Covishield has shown approximately 70%- 100% efficacy against coronavirus within 14 days of a complete course. The complete course comprises 2 doses that need to be administered in the gap of 4 weeks.

Depending upon your immunity system, side effects may last up to 2-3 days. These symptoms may rarely extend their duration up to 5 - 7 days. It is advised to avoid the second dose of the vaccine if one experiences these symptoms within 14 to 33 days of administration. Some of the side effects triggered from Covishield can be seen within 6 to 8 hrs of receiving the first dose of vaccine.

Other than the common reactions, studies have shown some out of the ordinary symptoms after first does of COVISHIELD vaccine, some of them are - Abdominal pain, Sleepiness or feeling dizzy, Enlarged lymph nodes, Excessive sweating, Itchy skin, Rash or hives, Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), Confusion or seizures (fits), Blurred vision, Leg swelling and pain, Unusual skin bruising around the site of vaccination, Shortness of breath and Chest pain.

Furthermore, there are certain repercussions of the vaccines that are rare amongst receivers but can be life-threatening, like major blood clotting (cerebral venous sinus/splanchnic vein or arterial thrombosis) followed by low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and severe allergic reaction. If one suspects any of the symptoms associated with these conditions, they must seek immediate medical attention as it can be fatal.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• COVID-19

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Pain, Swelling, And Itching At The Injection Site

• Fatigue

• Fever With Chills

• Headache

• Nausea Or Vomiting

• Muscle Or Joint Pain

• Diarrhoea

• Sore Throat

• Blocked Or Runny Nose

• Cough

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This vaccine is found to be safe to be used in pregnant women. Clinical studies are still under process and there could be any unforeseen effect on the fetus which is yet to be identified.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This vaccine is still under clinical trial and for now its effect is unknown in nursing women.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption for a brief period of time before getting vaccinated, as it might affect people’s immune responses to the jab.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This vaccine is not found to affect people's consciousness. If you feel dizzy, then you must avoid driving.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Vaccine is safe to be administered to the patient with kidney disease of any severity.

• LD

  This vaccine has been demonstrated to cause or worsen chronic liver diseases.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Covishield as ingredient

• Covishield

  Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

COVISHIELD is a monovalent vaccine composed of a single recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) vector encoding the S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. After its administration, the S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is expressed locally stimulating neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a General Physician before using this medicine.

• Ques : What is the common name for Covishield COVID-19 Vaccine?

  Ans : Covishield is the recombinant version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca covid vaccine which is also known by the codenamed AZD1222.

• Ques : What are the uses of the Covishield?

  Ans : Covishield is used to immunize individuals against the covid-19 virus.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Covishield before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : As per the guidelines of the Indian administration, the stated course of vaccination is sufficient to generate immunity. It includes two doses of vaccine 0.5 ml each, which needs to be administered within 12-16 weeks.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Covishield?

  Ans : The optimum gap between the two jabs of covishiled should be approximately 12-16 weeks. But in case one gets infected with COVID-19 after the first shot, the second shot should be given 3 months post-recovery from COVID-19 symptoms.

• Ques : Should I use Covishield empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : One can get vaccinated at any time, that is it is not compulsory that one should have a full/empty stomach before getting the shot.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Covishield?

  Ans : The storage and handling protocol of covishield given by the ministry of health states that vaccines should be stored in a refrigerator stable at +2°C to +8°C. Once the vaccine is injected into the receiver, the injection needs to be disposed of and not be used again.

• Ques : Is there any difference between 1st and 2nd doses of Covishield?

  Ans : There is no difference between the first and second doses of the vaccine. Both of the doses are made with the same viral particles content.

• Ques : Do I require any test pre or post getting Covishield?

  Ans : No. The receiver does not need tests like CRP, BTCT, RTPCR, etc.

• Ques : What are the drawbacks for receiving the Covishield vaccine?

  Ans : Covishield vaccine can have drawbacks in case a person has - Experienced major blood clotting followed by low platelet count after administering COVID-19 vaccine.

• Ques : When should I expect any side effects reactions to Covishield?

  Ans : The side effects with Covishield occur within 6 to 8 hours and generally resolve within 3 to 7 days after vaccination. If there are any adverse side effects they will appear after the second dose. These side effects may include -

  • Tenderness
  • Joint pain or muscle ache
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat and runny nose
  • Cough
  • Abdominal pain
  • rash, Itchy skin, or hives
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Excessive sweating
  • Anaphylaxis

• Ques : Can you consume smoke/alcohol after getting vaccinated with Covishield?

  Ans : There is no recommendation regarding avoidance of smoke/alcohol following vaccination.

• Ques : Can women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or having maturation receive Covishield?

  Ans : Yes, studies have shown no specific side effects in pregnant, lactating, or menstruating women.

• Ques : Can a person mix the first dose of AstraZeneca's vaccine with the second dose of Covishield or any other vaccine dose in India?

  Ans : Even though both of the vaccines have the same Indian composition, There is no approved data available to conclude the interchangeability of both vaccines.

• Ques : Can one take Covishield between the course of Birth control?

  Ans : Even though current studies show no side effects of vaccines while taking the course of hormonal birth control pills, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional before getting vaccinated.