Three vaccines have been approved by the DGCI — Covishield, COVAXIN, and Sputnik V. With the government aiming to vaccinate 516 million people by end of July, these three vaccines are being produced extensively to be able to vaccinate India against COVID-19.

Covishield Vaccine:

• Created by the University of Oxford, together with AstraZeneca
• Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India for Indian residents
• 1.1 crore vials ordered by the Government of India

COVAXIN

• India’s first home-developed vaccine for COVID-19, developed in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• 55 lakh vials of COVAXIN ordered by the Government of India
• Over the past quarter, India has seen a dip in the number of new cases per day. On January 24, 2021, India recorded 13,203 new cases. This is significantly low compared to our highest record of 97,894 new cases in September. This reduction of active COVID-19 cases signifies that we are on the verge of flattening our curve.

Sputnik V

• Developed by Russia, manufactured by Dr Reddy’s Labs in Hyderabad, it is the most recently approved vaccination in India.
• With a researched efficacy of 91.6%, the vaccine triggers antibody response in just 18 days post vaccination.

Over the past quarter, India has seen a dip in the number of new cases per day. On January 24, 2021, India recorded 13,203 new cases. This is significantly low compared to our highest record of 97,894 new cases in September. This reduction of active COVID-19 cases signifies that we are on the verge of flattening our curve.

This is our shot. Let’s make it count.

What to expect after the COVID-19 vaccine?

While the COVID-19 vaccination is safe, as with any other vaccine, you might undergo some side effects. These are quite normal and are signs that your body ramping up its immune system.

Side effects:

• Pain at the injection site
• Swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache

What not to expect?

AEFI(Adverse Event Following Immunisation) refers to an abnormal medical occurrence following vaccination. These could be:

• Unintended sign (abscess after vaccination)
• Abnormal laboratory findings (thrombocytopenia following measles vaccination)
• Symptom or disease (disseminated BCG infection following BCG vaccination)

Minor AEFI: Common self-limiting reactions.
Eg: Pain and swelling at injection site, fever, tiredness and so on.

Severe AEFI: Disabling reactions but seldom critical. They do not lead to long-term problems.
Eg: High fever (>102 degrees, non-hospitalized cases of anaphylaxis) and more.

Serious AEFI: Rare occurrences. These are reactions that require inpatient hospitalization.