To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had begun the vaccination drive on January 16 for healthcare workers. Now the Centre has urged all the states and UTs to vaccinate all citizens above the age of 18. At present, India has an option of two vaccines -- Covaxin and Covishield. However, it said that Russia’s Sputnik V will also be available soon before the next phase of vaccination.
Even though the vaccination drive started a few months ago, many people are unsure about taking it. Moreover, they have various doubts regarding the vaccine such as -- How many vaccines are there in India? How effective they are? How much does it cost? How often should their dose be taken?
Here is a comparison between the three vaccines (two available at the moment and Sputnik V to be available from May 1) for Indian citizens.
The indigenous vaccine named Covaxin is being manufactured by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech with the help of the National Institute of Virology. The emergency use of the vaccine in India was approved on January 3.
Although the vaccine has been given emergency approval in India, trials of the third phase of the vaccine are currently underway. According to Bharat Biotech, the vaccine is said to be as effective as Covishield.
How effective is it?
This Indian vaccine is said to be effective against 617 variants or mutants of the coronavirus. The effectiveness of Covaxin has been reported to be 78 per cent so far. The effectiveness of this vaccine in coronavirus patients can be increased up to 100 per cent.
Time Gap between two doses
It is important to take the second dose within four to six weeks after the first dose of the vaccine.
Price
For government: INR 600 per dose to states and INR 1,200 per dose to private hospitals
For citizens: INR 250 in private hospitals and free at government centres
The Covishield vaccine is produced and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune.
How effective it is?
If the gap between the first and second doses of the vaccine is widened, the vaccine is effective up to 70 per cent. However, in India, the second dose is given 28 days after the first dose, hence, the vaccine is 55 per cent effective.
Time Gap between the doses?
Initially, there was an interval of four to 12 weeks between two doses. But now after 28 days the second dose is being given.
Price
For govt: INR 300 per dose for state governments and INR 600 per dose for private hospitals
For citizens: INR 250 in private hospitals and free at government centres
Russia's Sputnik vaccine has recently been approved by the Indian government. The first stock is scheduled to arrive in India on May 1.
How effective is this vaccine?
The Sputnik V vaccine is 92 per cent effective against coronavirus, claims the manufacturers. The vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya - Dr Reddy's Institute in Moscow.
How much time gap is necessary between the two doses?
The dose of the Sputnik V vaccine is different from other vaccines. The dosage is different, that is, the first vaccine and the second vaccine are completely different. The second dose of Sputnik V is given between 21 days to 3 months after the first vaccine dose.
Price
Not yet officially declared for India. Globally priced at $10 (approx INR 750) per dose.
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