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.

This drug can be used in below-mentioned conditions

• COVID-19

• Hypersensitivity

This drug can cause below-mentioned side effects

• 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

• 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.

• India

• United States

• Japan

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

• Covishield

  Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd

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.