FAQs about Covid vaccines

Which COVID-19 vaccines are licensed for use in India?

Two COVID vaccines, which have been granted emergency use authorization in India by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization are Covishield® (AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India) & Covaxin® (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited)

Which technology has been used in the development of the currently available two vaccines in India?

Covishield® covid vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, uses a Viral Vector-based technology that was used to manufacture the Ebola vaccine also.
Covaxin® covid vaccine, manufactured by the Bharat Biotech, uses a whole-Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine, which has been used to manufacture vaccines such as Influenza, Rabies, & Hepatitis- A.

Is COVISHIELD® the same as the vaccine being given in the UK by Astra Zeneca?

Covishield® covid vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, uses the same patented technology as the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

What is the dosing schedule of both vaccines?

As per the Drug Controller General (India) permission, for Covishield covid vaccine, the second dose should be given 4-6 weeks after the first dose. Covaxin is administered in two doses at 28 days interval from the first dose

Do I need to wear the mask and other COVID-related precautions after getting the vaccine?

Yes, it is necessary that everyone who has received the COVID vaccine i.e. covaxin or covishield should continue to follow the COVID-appropriate behaviour, i.e., mask, social distancing, and hand sanitization, to protect themselves and those around from the infection.