Comparative Analysis of Different Vaccines for Covid-19
In the last blog, we walked over some characteristics of the Covaxin and Covishield vaccines. The type, efficacy, and side effects of both vaccines were looked at in detail. In this blog, we will try to cover a total of 7 vaccines and their type, efficacy, side effects, etc. The objective of the blog will be to provide a comprehensive, comparative analysis of all approved vaccines for the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us have a look at the said vaccines.
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Pfizer-BioNTech
Even though the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has been authorized for emergency use under the EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use among individuals above 12 years. This authorization by the FDA for the emergency use of the vaccine is a pivotal step in curbing the spread of the virus.
Type: mRNA
An mRNA vaccine is delivered to the taker’s body cells by lipid nanoparticles. This sends an instruction to the cells to generate the spike protein that is found in the coronavirus. This function prompts an immune response which includes the formation of antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Efficacy: Close to 95% and 100% at avoiding hospitalizations and death.
Side Effects: Severe & non-severe allergic reactions, Injection site pain, Tiredness, and Headache
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Moderna – mRNA 1273
Moderna’s vaccine against the original strain is administered across two doses, both of which are mRNA vaccines. The mRNA 1273 signals genetic instructions to the taker’s cells to produce the Covid-19’s spike protein. This one is wrapped in an oily shell which acts as a shield against the degradation possible to be caused by the body. This vaccine remains stable at -20 degrees Celsius, the normal temperature of a household fridge (freezer) for about six months.
Type: mRNA
Efficacy: Approximately 95% while 100% at preventing hospitalizations and death.
Side Effects: Fatigue, Headache, Muscle Pain, and Joint Pain
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AstraZeneca – University of Oxford
This vaccine employs the tech from Oxford’s spinout known as Vaccitech. It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector of a weakened version of a common cold virus that is responsible for infections in chimpanzees (adenovirus). This vaccine too contains the genetic materials of the spike protein. Post administration, the cells produce spike proteins which subsequently encourage the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Type: Adeno-based
Efficacy: Overall 70%
Side Effects: Pain or Tenderness at the Injection Site, Headache, Tiredness, Muscle or Joint Aches
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Johnson & Johnson – Janssen
This vaccine makes use of the company’s AdVac tech platform. This technology platform was used to develop the company’s approved Ebola vaccine as well as RSV, Zika, and HIV investigational vaccine candidates. It is based on the idea of using an inactivated common cold virus. A total of six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot had been recently identified. These clots noticed with the Janssen vaccine are cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) along with lower levels of blood platelets, known as thrombocytopenia.
Type: Adeno-based
Efficacy: 66% efficacy at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections in the global clinical trials, 72% in the US, and 100% in preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
Side Effects: Tiredness, Headache, Muscle Pain, Chills, and Fever
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The Sputnik V Vaccine
This vaccine is a viral two-vector one based on two human adenoviruses – a common cold virus – carrying the gene which is responsible for encoding the full-length spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 to arouse an immune response. The adenovirus types 26 and 5 are both used as vectors in the vaccine.
Type: Adeno-based
Efficacy: 91.4%
Side Effects: Fatigue, Headache, Muscle Pain and Chills
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CoronaVac – Sinovac Biotech
This vaccine is also known as the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine. It is developed by the Chinese company Sinovac Biotech and is an inactivated vaccine. However, CoronaVac uses a pretty conventional technology that is congruous with the inactivated polio vaccine. Initially, large quantities of the virus were grown using samples of the SARS-CoV-2 wherein Vero cells were utilized.
Type: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Efficacy: 50.38% – 91.25% depending on the clinical trial
Side Effects: Injection Pain Site and Soreness
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Novavax Covid-19 Vaccine
The NVX-CoV2373 also known as SARS-CoV-2 rS is a vaccine candidate developed by Novavax with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). It is currently undergoing trials in India under the brand name Covovax.
Type: Protein-based Vaccine
Efficacy: 89.3%
Side Effects: Pain and Swelling at the Injection Site, Fever, Chills, Tiredness
Takeaway
- Immunization Efficacy – mRNA antibodies were an unmistakable victor with adequacy in the 95% territory and across a range of ages, trailed by the protein subunit stage with the viability of just shy of 90% in the UK. The inactivated infection stage positions least dependent on right now accessible variable information.
- Coordination – mRNA antibodies rank least with their difficult cold-chain necessities.
- Security/reactogenicity – The inactivated infection stage was the top entertainer. The viral vector stage scores beneath the other three stages because of some waiting concerns identified with stopped preliminaries and unfavorable occasions.
- Target value/openness – The creation of mRNA immunizations can be increased at a sensible speed; however, they are as of now among the costliest COVID-19 antibodies; the viral vector immunizations are the least expensive to plan.
