Covishield Vaccine

Covishield Vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in adults 18 years of age and older. It is a recombinant viral vector vaccine designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and defend against the virus responsible for COVID-19.

This vaccine employs a replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) as a delivery system, which has been genetically modified to carry the instructions for producing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Because the vector is non-replicating, it cannot multiply or cause disease in humans. Following intramuscular administration, host cells temporarily produce the spike protein based on these instructions, prompting the immune system to identify it as foreign and initiate a protective response.

The immune response includes the production of neutralizing antibodies as well as activation of T cells, both of which play a critical role in preventing infection and reducing disease severity. In the event of future exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the immune system is primed to respond quickly and effectively by recognizing the spike protein and limiting viral spread.

The genetic material delivered by Covishield Vaccine does not integrate into human DNA, ensuring that it remains transient within the body. Through this mechanism, the vaccine provides meaningful protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death associated with COVID-19. It is typically administered as an intramuscular injection according to recommended immunization schedules.

This vaccine is used for:

• Active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in adults.

• Helps prevent infection caused by COVID-19

• Reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death

• Stimulates both antibody and T-cell immune responses for comprehensive protection

• Uses a non-replicating viral vector, so it cannot cause COVID-19 infection

• Provides early partial protection after the first dose, with improved protection after full vaccination

• Contributes to community (herd) immunity by reducing virus spread

• Does not integrate into human DNA, ensuring genetic safety

• Suitable for large-scale immunization due to established vaccine platform technology

• Helps reduce complications associated with COVID-19, especially in high-risk individuals

Covishield Vaccine may cause side effects in some people. Most are mild and temporary, but contact your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Common side effects may include

• Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, or itching at the injection site

• Feeling tired (fatigue) or general discomfort

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

• Nausea

Uncommon Side Effects

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Mild enlargement of lymph nodes may occur.

• Decreased Appetite: Temporary loss of appetite may be noticed.

Serious Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

• Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (Very Rare): Blood clots with low platelets; symptoms include severe or persistent headache, blurred vision, chest pain, leg swelling, abdominal pain, or unusual bruising.

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (Very Rare): Weakness, tingling, or paralysis that may spread to the chest and face.

• Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Sudden rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, typically occurring shortly after vaccination.

• Capillary leak syndrome (Very Rare): Rapid swelling, low blood pressure, sudden weight gain, or thickened blood.

• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

This vaccine is administered as an injection into the muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm (deltoid muscle).

• It is given by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.

• The primary vaccination course typically consists of two separate doses.

• Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate interval between doses and if any booster doses are required according to official recommendations.

• You will be monitored for at least 15 minutes after the injection to check for any immediate allergic reactions.

This vaccine works through a viral vector mechanism:

• The replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus enters the human cells and delivers the DNA code for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

• The human cell uses this code to manufacture the spike proteins and display them on its surface.

• The immune system identifies these spike proteins as foreign invaders and mounts an immune response by generating specific antibodies and T cells.

• You can take a pain reliever or fever reducer (such as paracetamol) after vaccination if you develop side effects like fever, headache, or muscle aches. Consult your provider before taking medication.

• Keep your physical vaccination card or digital record in a safe place, as you may need to show proof of vaccination.

• Vaccination may not protect all recipients. It takes a few weeks after the completed course for full immunity to develop.

This vaccine is stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in professional medical facilities. Do not freeze.

• There are no known significant interactions between this vaccine and specific foods.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• Immunosuppressive therapies (including high-dose corticosteroids or chemotherapy), which may reduce the body's immune response to the vaccine.

This vaccine should be used with caution, or avoided, if you have:

• A history of Capillary Leak Syndrome

• A history of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) following a previous dose

• A previous severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine or any of its ingredients

• An acute, severe febrile illness (the vaccination should be postponed until you recover)

This product is not taken daily. It is administered as scheduled doses by a healthcare professional.

As this vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional in a controlled setting, the chance of an overdose is extremely low.

If you miss a scheduled second dose or booster dose of this vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or vaccination center immediately to reschedule. It is important to complete the recommended course to ensure the best possible protection.