Confusion in the minds of Indians took place when the vaccine was introduced in the nation. First, it was whether the vaccine was helpful or would harm us. When more than one vaccine was introduced, i.e. Covaxin, Covishield, and Russian Sputnik V, then the confusion heightened. It was about which one is the better among these and which one we should get vaccinated with.

You should understand that neither of the three vaccines will bring you any harm. But for your satisfaction and a better understanding of the compositions, uses, benefits, and limitations of Covid Vaccines are provided in detail.

Comparison of Sputnik V, Covishield, and Covaxin

First, let's look at their origination, vaccine type, workings, efficiency factors, side effects, and price of vaccines.

Sputnik V

• Origination- Sputnik V was developed in Russia and is also used in India as it was given the license to be used in India. It was done so to increase the rate of vaccination. It is the world's first registered vaccine based on human adenoviral vectors.
• Vaccine Type- Cowin Sputnik V belongs to the viral vector type. Viral vectors are frozen viruses that are not in the condition to harm the body. So it is used to help the body fight the harmful viruses entering the body.
• Dosage- Sputnik V is completed in two rounds. The gap between the two vaccine doses should be at least 28 days to a maximum of 3 months.
  
• Working- So when Cowin Sputnik V is injected into our body, i.e. frozen virus is introduced. These frozen covid viruses start to multiply and grow their number within our bodies to produce antigens and combat the Covid Vaccine. It is very effective for conditions where attacking Covid vaccines change their form upon entering the body.
  
• Effectiveness factor- Sputnik V's effective factor can be rated 9.2 on a scale of 10.
• Side effects- If you are going to get a Sputnik V vaccine, then you will have to face the following side-effects.

1. Weakness
2. Fever
3. Tiredness
4. Headache
5. The injected region will feel pain for a day or two.

• Price- Sputnik V is the most expensive of the three vaccines. At Government Covid centres, the price is ₹780 for each dose, and for private facilities cost is ₹995 per dose, including taxes.

Covishield

• Origination- Covishield was developed in India itself. It was developed by the Serum Institute of India, Pune, and AstraZeneca in collaboration.
• Vaccine Type- Covishield is also a Viral Vector type of vaccine. But the frozen virus used in Covishield is different from the Sputnik V. The virus used in Covishield is the virus of the common cold in chimpanzees but a weaker version of it.
• Dosage- The dosage of Covishield is the same as Sputnik V, i.e. it also has two rounds of dosage. After getting the first dose, one must wait twelve to sixteen weeks to get the second one.
• Working- The working principle of Covishield is similar to the Sputnik V, i.e. it alarms the human body's immune system to develop antibodies for countering the entered foreign particles, i.e. Covid Virus.
• Effectiveness factor- DGCI (Drugs Controller General of India) has given them a rating of 70%. There are a variety of strains, and not all vaccines work on all strains. But Covishield is effective in protecting against all the Indian strains, Uk strains, and Brazilian strains.
• Side effects- Side effects of Covishield include the following.

1. Itchiness
2. Body Pain
3. Tiredness
4. Mild Fever
5. Nausea
6. Headache
7. Cold

There were a few cases where the following side effects were also reported.

1. Loss of Appetite
2. Increased Sweating
3. Pain in abdomen

• Price- People can get vaccinated with Covaxin at no expense at the Government Covid Centres. In private facilities, Covaxin's price is ₹250.

Covaxin

• Origination- Covaxin was also developed in India itself. Bharat Biotech produces it.
• Vaccine Type- Unlike other vaccines, Covaxin is an inactivated virus type of vaccine. So an inactivated virus is not like the frozen body; it is weaker than the frozen virus. These inactivated viruses are unable to strengthen your immunity like the other vaccine. It can only help you fight Covid by producing antibodies.
• Dosage- You must get two doses of Covaxin, each for exactly 28 days.
• Working- Once the Covaxin is injected into your body, it creates antibodies on its own, which will battle Covid and shield your life.
• Effectiveness factor- Covaxin is highly effective if you come in contact with the Uk strain or some other dangerous strain. Covaxin has been reported with a success rate ranging between 70 to 90%.
• Side effects- There will be side effects in any of the covid vaccines you take. So let us also take a look at the side effects of Covaxin.

1. Fever
2. Swelling of the injected part
3. Itchiness in the injected region
4. Body Pain
5. Tiredness
6. Nausea

• Price- Covaxin is also free of cost in all the Government sponsored Vaccination centres. But if you want to get vaccinated from a private hospital, you must pay ₹250.

Pros and Cons of Sputnik V, Covishield, and Covaxin

Sputnik V

Benefits

1. Among all the viral vector vaccines available in the market, Sputnik V is more efficient than others.
2. Sputnik also gives the same effectiveness and success rate as the other available viral vector vaccines.

Limitations

1. Sputnik V is very expensive in India and is most likely unaffordable by some sections of society.
2. There is a doubt that it might affect the human body's immunity system.

Covishield

Benefits

1. It can protect you from all the Indian strains, Uk strain which can be deadly without a vaccine.
2. This is available in all the Government Centres at no cost, so one shouldn't refrain from getting vaccinated.

Limitations

1. This is only for people above the age of 18. If you are not 18, then you are not eligible to take a Covishield vaccine,
2. It has a lower rate of effectiveness in comparison to other covid vaccines.

Covaxin

Benefits

1. Covaxin is reported to have a higher rate of effectiveness when compared to the other two.
2. It is available for anyone who is 12 years old or above.
3. It is highly effective in the latest deadly strains, such as the South African strain, UK strain, etc.

Limitations

1. The side effects of Covaxin are more than that of Sputnik V and Covishield.

Conclusion

The pros and cons of all three vaccines have been listed; now, you must decide which vaccine you think would be the best for your body. There will always be a risk in taking the vaccine because you never know how your body will respond to it.

It can be more severe than others. So there can be such risks, and you will have to take that risk so you don't get exposed to covid without any proper protection shield.

In the end, it is up to the individual to make the decision on which vaccine they want to take. All three vaccines have pros and cons, so it is best to evaluate them and decide which suits you most. The best way to be safe from Covid-19 is to vaccinate yourself and follow the safety measures prescribed by your local health authority. It is essential to understand that no vaccine is 100% effective, and there might be some side effects or severe complications in some cases. So it is best to consult your doctor before deciding which vaccine to take. Stay safe and get vaccinated!

FAQs

Can we take two different vaccines for more safety?

If you have taken a dose of Covaxin, then you need to complete its dose with a second round of Covaxin amount. You cannot take other vaccines in the middle.

In which cities is Sputnik V available?

It is available in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Miryalaguda, Kolhapur, and Baddi.

What is the period for which side effects of Vaccines last?

For any vaccine you take, the side effects will last for 2-3 days. But if the side effects continue for over three days, you should consult your doctor.