[srishiva]

Originally Posted by Ragul

The reason why I have been searching for Covaxin only. The spike-protein method only teaches the body to detect and fight the mutant variant that resembles it. The inactivated version on the other hand stands a better chance of recognizing mutants and new variants.

Same reason for me ! Heard it from a doctor that virologists prefer inactivated versions. Had registered for Covishield at a PHC and also given the way our govt run clinics are, they didnt arrive on time (was happy they didnt ). Was happy to just go to a private hospital and get Covaxin within 30 minutes !

All private hospitals are giving Covaxin and only PHCs have Covishield in my area.

[condor]

Originally Posted by boniver

Dad had absolutely no symptoms whatsoever, and his next dose is scheduled for 26th April.

Whether or not a person has symptoms, the difference between shots for Covishield was changed to 6-8 weeks. The four week gap is for Covaxin. Do check the guidance again.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Ragul

I thought the Government is subsidizing partial cost of vaccines? I recall there was a round of negotiations to set the pricing nationwide.

Yes, but that is the "customer" end. I seem to remember that the private hospitals were not entirely delighted with their share of the Rs250. Hmmm... I can get a different injection for Rs30. But it doesn't require the hospital setting up an entire department.

Yes some of the long-term effects is what worries me more - damaged lungs with reduced capacity to climb stairs or general exertion and also some damage to brain cells etc., - that really scares me. The vaccine should prevent serious complications and hopefully make it just a fever and weakness if infected post-vaccination - its what I am hoping at the least.

Yes, I agree entirely.

How nice it would be to be 100% protected for life! But this is not the only vaccine that doesn't work that way --- and I'm happy to get what I can. Medicine/Pharma has given the world so much (OK, yes, it has also occasionally screwed up, sometimes fatally, and sometimes unethically) that our expectations are high. I have my hopes, but I'm keeping my expectations under control.

[Cyborg]

Folks, no vaccine is 100% effective - period. These vaccines 15-20 days after the second dose are supposed to minimise infection, prevent hospitalisation and death. We should not be quibbling about effectiveness percentages. Let’s take the vaccine and thank God for tender mercies.

Meanwhile, till we reach herd immunity with 80 to 85% having taken the vaccine let’s continue wearing masks, washing hands regularly and social distancing.

This too shall pass!!!

Cheers

[sgiitk]

We had our first dose of Covishield on the 11th. We got a VIP treatment at Narayana Superspeciality, Gurgaon. We both developed mild fever for two days. We are normal now. In a way it shows the vaccine is effective. Now we look forward to the second dose in April. We are looking forward to it. As we have to go to Kolkata in early May, so do not intend to wait for the six weeks.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by srishiva

Same reason for me ! Heard it from a doctor that virologists prefer inactivated versions. Had registered for Covishield at a PHC and also given the way our govt run clinics are, they didnt arrive on time (was happy they didnt ). Was happy to just go to a private hospital and get Covaxin within 30 minutes !

All private hospitals are giving Covaxin and only PHCs have Covishield in my area.

Bruh! And I made more than a dozen calls over a week to find out where I can get Covaxin. Which part of Bangalore are you in?

I too suspect Covid vaccines are going to be like seasonal flu shots perhaps with a slightly longer duration and not like once-in-a-lifetime immunity thing like BCG and Polio.

[shipnil]

Are we getting an inferior product?

Brazilian regulator says Bharat Biotech's Covaxin manufacturing facility fails to meet standards

According to the Brazilian website Universo Online, one of the reasons Covaxin fell short of manufacturing standards was its reported "failure to comply with severalrules and instructions on good production practices."

The problems related to non-adherence to demands for documentation, methods of analysis, and integrity of containers, the report said. Methods used for "sterilising, disinfecting, removing or inactivating viruses" also came under the scanner, the report also said.

[joslicx]

Originally Posted by shipnil

Are we getting an inferior product?

Brazilian regulator says Bharat Biotech's Covaxin manufacturing facility fails to meet standards

Or are these pressure tactics to negotiate price?

The USFDA had been notoriously targeting our pharma companies till last year for last few years, when suddenly they needed certain medicines, then they gave all clear like there was no problem.

[Ragul]

Initially I thought this looked like a failure to meet procedural norms but now recalling the cases of post-vaccination covid infections within days I am scared!

BB - GMP Requirements will be Fulfilled

Anvisa said in its website that the inspectors found 12 major and 14 minor violations that indicate a significant risk to vaccine manufacturing and product quality assurance.

The health regulator reportedly highlighted concerns regarding vaccine potency, viral inactivation, sterilisation and purity. The regulator said that Bharat Biotech did not validate the method of analysis that proved that the virus was completely inactivated during manufacture meaning that live viruses might be present in the vaccine and cause contamination. Anvisa said that Bharat Biotech did not take all precautions to guarantee sterility of the product. As the product is injectable it could cause bacterial infection, stated the regulator.

[Gansan]

Guys, we have been getting various shots over the years for seasonal flu, swine flu, avian flu, tetanus etc. Did we ever bother what brand of vaccine we were getting? Did we even know what were the brands available?

Then why all the fuss now? As of now either vaccine is as good as the other, just go and take whatever is available near you.

[jkrishnakj]

True than Gansan. I still remember when my son was born, there were multiple vaccine schedules over the years for him till his 13th year. We just used to follow that calendar and get that particular dose done with. Never bothered about the make of the dose.

I’m of the same view that I’ll go get it done for what it’s worth. I’ll feel better inside my head.

It was a breeze this morning for my wife. I’m scheduled for tomorrow.

[DriverR]

Originally Posted by Gansan

Guys, we have been getting various shots over the years for seasonal flu, swine flu, avian flu, tetanus etc. Did we ever bother what brand of vaccine we were getting? Did we even know what were the brands available?

Then why all the fuss now? As of now either vaccine is as good as the other, just go and take whatever is available near you.

The one key differences is that the other virus vaccines are all time-proven ones. Covid vaccines are new with no past success stats. Still, as you mentioned, I feel there is really no use trying to differentiate between what is available curently since all are in the same boat of being new vaccines. Only with time an improved (possibly) version would become the defacto vaccine for COVID. Until then we have to take what is available.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Gansan

Did we ever bother what brand of vaccine we were getting?

Originally Posted by DriverR

The one key differences is that the other virus vaccines are all time-proven ones.

Absolutely right. We never had to decide: the path was well trodden before us. And I think that vaccines that proved to cause problems were replaced, in the now-long history of childhood immunisation.

Covid is new territory for all, from the scientists to us guys on the street. Mind you, most of us are not really able to make an informed decision --- which is why I did not make too much fuss about taking what was available.

[rakirank]

Originally Posted by srishiva

All private hospitals are giving Covaxin and only PHCs have Covishield in my area.

Well it is Covishield that private hospitals are giving around Koramangala. Visited 2 different hospitals.

[jkrishnakj]

Looking at the increasing number of the positive cases these days, and with the experience of so many of my known contacts being positive, asymptomatic, I had a query.

What if someone hadn’t tested and probably is asymptomatic and is ignorant about this and going for the vaccine? Would that be fine?

I’m at a stage where some of the folks whom I interact with and meet and socialise have turned positive over the past two days. And I’ve got my vaccination scheduled today. I’m now thinking if I should get myself tested or if I just go ahead in getting the vaccine.