Covishield Vaccine

By Covishield

Rx

5ml Solution for Injection in a Vial

Composition icon

Composition

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant)(NA)

Manufacturer - Serum Institute Of India Ltd icon

Manufacturer - Serum Institute Of India Ltd

212/2, Hadapsar, Off Soli Poonawalla Road, Pune 411028 India

Expires on or after icon

Expires on or after

July, 2025

About Covishield Vaccine

The Covishield Vaccine is now approved for actively immunizing individuals aged 18 years and older to protect against the highly infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. This vaccine has been jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University in the UK and is currently being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) based in Pune.

Clinical trials for Covishield Vaccine have been successful in various countries such as South Africa, Brazil, and the UK. Additionally, bridging studies conducted in the Indian population have led to the approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The vaccine is administered through an injection into the muscle of the upper arm and the full vaccination course consists of two separate doses to be given 4 to 6 weeks apart. It is crucial to complete the full course to ensure maximum protection as a single dose may not be sufficient to produce the necessary antibodies.

While Covishield Vaccine is generally safe, there are potential side effects that individuals may experience. These include reactions at the injection site like pain, swelling, and redness, as well as symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, malaise, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Most of these side effects are mild and temporary, typically resolving within 2-3 days. In case of persistent or worsening symptoms beyond this period, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Before receiving the Covishield Vaccine, it is important to inform your doctor or vaccinator about any existing illnesses, history of allergies, fever, or bleeding disorders. Disclosure of all current medications is essential, particularly blood thinners or drugs that impact the immune system, to ensure the vaccine's safety and effectiveness for you.

It is important to note that the Covishield Vaccine has not been tested on children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers, hence they should not receive the vaccine at this time due to unknown safety implications. Furthermore, individuals who have already received another COVID-19 vaccine should not take the Covishield Vaccine.


Benefits

Covishield Vaccine is a crucial tool in the prevention of COVID-19, effectively reducing the risk of contracting the disease. In the unfortunate event that an individual does become infected, Covishield Vaccine has been shown to potentially decrease the severity of the illness. It is essential to adhere to the recommended dosing schedule for Covishield Vaccine to ensure maximum effectiveness. Along with vaccination, it is important to continue practicing safety measures such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and maintaining social distancing. These combined efforts provide a comprehensive approach to safeguarding against COVID-19 and its impacts.


How to use the Covishield Vaccine

To use the Covishield Vaccine, you should follow the instructions provided by your doctor or nurse. It is administered as an injection, typically into the muscle of the upper arm. The healthcare professional will guide you through the process, ensuring that the vaccine is given correctly. It is essential to complete the full dosage as recommended by the healthcare provider to ensure the best possible protection against the virus. Additionally, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the administration of the vaccine. By following these instructions carefully, you can help protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 virus.


Uses of Covishield Vaccine

The Covishield Vaccine is primarily used for preventing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). By administering this vaccine, individuals can reduce their chances of contracting the virus or experiencing severe symptoms associated with the disease. It is an essential tool in the global effort to control and manage the spread of COVID-19.


What conditions Covishield Vaccine treats?

Covishield Vaccine is approved for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the highly infectious coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It is essential for individuals aged 18 years and older. The vaccine's two-dose regimen, given 4 to 6 weeks apart, is necessary for optimal protection as a single dose may not produce enough antibodies against the virus. Common side effects, like pain at the injection site, headache, nausea, and fatigue, are generally mild and temporary. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about any preexisting conditions before getting vaccinated, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, along with those who have received a different COVID-19 vaccine, should not get Covishield at this time.


Should you consult a doctor?

Seek medical attention if side effects from Covishield Vaccine persist or worsen beyond 2-3 days. These may include reactions at the injection site, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies, bleeding disorders, or if you are on medications affecting your immune system. Symptoms like swelling, severe pain, or worsening conditions warrant immediate medical help. If you have concerns about the side effects or are unsure about any reaction, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Remember, your health is a priority, and seeking timely medical advice ensures your well-being.


Side effects of Covishield Vaccine

Side effects of the Covishield Vaccine may include injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness. You may also experience headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, a feeling of discomfort, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they typically subside as your body gets used to the vaccine. If you find these side effects troubling or if they persist, it is recommended to consult your doctor for personalized guidance and support.


Safety advice

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liver

Limited information is present regarding the usage of Covishield Vaccine in individuals with liver conditions. It is strongly advised to seek advice from your healthcare provider before proceeding with the vaccination.

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kidney

There is limited information available on using Covishield Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. It is advised to consult your doctor for guidance before vaccination.

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alcohol

It is not confirmed if it is safe to drink alcohol while on Covishield Vaccine. Experts say alcohol is unlikely to affect the vaccine's effectiveness. Consult your doctor for guidance.

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driving

Covishield Vaccine is unlikely to impact driving ability. While most people can drive and operate machines safely after getting the vaccine, temporary adverse reactions may affect driving capability.

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pregnancy

Covishield Vaccine is considered safe for use during pregnancy as studies indicate minimal risk to the developing baby.

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breastfeeding

Covishield Vaccine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies indicate that the vaccine's components do not transfer in significant amounts through breastmilk, posing no harm to infants.


Consumption warning before consuming Covishield Vaccine

Before taking the Covishield Vaccine for COVID-19 prevention, there are important points to consider. The vaccine is approved for individuals 18 years and older and requires two doses given 4 to 6 weeks apart for maximum effectiveness. One dose alone is not sufficient for protection. Common side effects may include pain, swelling, headache, nausea, and fatigue, usually resolving within a few days. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Before vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about any existing health conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking, especially blood thinners or immune-affecting drugs. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers were not part of the trials, so they should avoid the vaccine. If you have received a different COVID-19 vaccine, do not take the Covishield Vaccine. It is essential to follow these guidelines for the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.


What if you forgot to take Covishield Vaccine?

If you forget to take a dose of the Covishield Vaccine, it is important to talk to your doctor. Consulting your healthcare provider is essential if you miss a dose of the vaccine to ensure you receive proper guidance and next steps. By reaching out to your doctor promptly, you can address any concerns or questions you may have about missing a dose of the Covishield Vaccine.


Additional Information

Habit FormingNo
Chemical ClassVaccines
Therapeutic ClassVACCINES
Action Class-

FAQs


Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Abdullah Khan

MBBS - General Medicine

Last update on 01-Oct-2024