Coronavirus vaccines: Covaxin vs. Covishield vs. Sputnik V; what we know so far about their possible side-effects

Sputnik V is the third coronavirus vaccine to be approved for use in India, following Covishield (Oxford-Astrazeneca) and Covaxin.

As the import of the Russian vaccine is in process, there's already a lot of buzz that surrounds the use of the vaccine. From efficacy, immunity and side-effects, while the three approved vaccines for use carry good benefits in mitigating the risks of the harmful coronavirus, there are some noteworthy differences as well.

The Drugs Comptroller General of India (DGCI) granted emergency use authorisation to the Sputnik V vaccine basis the interim results of the clinical trials conducted in Russia, which found that Sputnik V carried a whopping 91.6% efficacy rate, and high response in curbing down severity of the disease.

In comparison to this, India's Covaxin, which has been recently found to be neutralizing against the UK variant virus is over 81% effective, while Covishield, being used globally has over 70.4% efficacy, which could be further pushed up to 90%, if doses are spaced weeks apart.

Any vaccine, be it a traditional make or an mRNA model supports its working by inducing certain immune-genetic effects, which are also reactogenic in nature.

Most of these side-effects, while do resolve in a matter of days, can also differ from person to person. The nature of these side effects could also be minimally different from one vaccine to another.

Not only does being aware of vaccine side-effects help a person prep for the jab beforehand, but some side-effects could help one determine what model may be better suited for a person, depending on his/her health and vulnerability. For example, a person with a higher likelihood of getting blood clots, or using anticoagulants may be better off using a 'safer' vaccine, especially at a time when we now have the option to pick and choose vaccines of our choice.

While we wait for Sputnik V to become publicly available, here's a brief explainer as to how the side effects of the Russian vaccine fare against Covaxin and Covishield.

Developed by the Gameleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia, Sputnik V was one of the first registered coronavirus vaccines authorized for use globally. The viral vector vaccine works by triggering antibody production and hence, causes routine inflammatory reactions, most of which are mild in nature.

According to a Lancet study published in February 2021, the most common side-effects of the vaccine include:

-Headache

-Fatigue

-Pain at the injection site

-Flu-like illness

Serious side effects, or adverse reactions haven't been observed yet. As per clinical studies, there have been incidents related to hypertension, hemorrhagic stroke, thrombosis, but none of them was found to be related to the vaccine injection.

Covaxin, developed and manufactured by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech uses an inactive SARS-COV-2 antigen strain (or a dead virus) to train the immune system to recognize the infection in the future. Since it is prepared in a traditional way, it is considered to be largely safe for use and has fewer side effects too, in comparison to mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer shots.

As per the Covaxin fact sheet and regulatory guidelines, inoculation rounds have showcased people getting the following side-effects:

-Redness, swelling, pain at the injection site

-Fever

-Sweating and/ or chills

-Malaise, body ache

-Nausea and vomiting

-Itching and rashes

-Headache

Those suffering from bleeding disorders, immunocompromised, using blood thinners, pregnant, breastfeeding or with a history of allergic reactions to any of the vaccine ingredients are advised to not take the vaccine right now.

The Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, which is being used in over 62 countries worldwide has been running into hot waters of late with the discovery of some unpleasant side effects, including blood clots. While studies proved the vaccine to be safe for use and adverse reactions 'rare', the most talked of side-effects of the Covishield jab are similar to Covaxin. However, the intensity of the side effects might be slightly more intense. These are the major side-effects one can expect:

-Pain at the injection site

-Redness

-Moderate or high fever

-Drowsiness and lethargy

-Arm stiffness

-Body ache and pain

Given that people have the options to book their preferred vaccines right now, gaining prior information about the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccines is a good call to make. That being said, it's important to remember that all vaccines under use meet approval and safety standards and almost equally effective in preventing coronavirus infections. Hence, people are advised to take vaccine shots as and when one is made available to them.