Covi-shield Vaccine: A crucial weapon in the fight against COVID- 19

The Covi-shield vaccine, also known as the Oxford- Astra Zeneca COVID- 19 vaccine, had become a key player in global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, and produced in India, Covi-shield has played a pivotal role in extending vaccine coverage to developed and less earning countries, where admittance to vaccines were a significant challenge. Covishield is a viral vactor that uses a modified narrative of a common cold virus from chimpanzees to deliver instructions to human cells to produce a harmless piece of the COVID-19 spike protein. This spike protein triggers an immune response, teaching the resistant system to recognize and fight the actual coronavirus if it is encountered in the future.

Despite its success, Covi-shield has faced some challenges it has encountered certain risks and controversies that require attention. Covi-shield has been associated with a small risk of developing blood clotting disorders, notably thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome. These rare events involve unusual blood clots accompanied by less platelet rate that can lead tto severe complications if not promptly treated. Some individuals have experience allergic reactions to the vaccine, covering from moderate indications like rash or itching to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Common side effects of Covi-shield include fever, fatigue, headache and pain at the injection site. Although these are generally mild and short-lived, they can cause discomfort and affect work or daily activities. Additionally, some individuals report flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccine. The link between Covishield and rare blood clotting events led to heightened vaccine hesitancy and spread of misinformation. Media reports emphasizing these rare cases contributed to public apprehension. Health authorities and regulatory bodies have taken steps to address these risks and controversies. The overall risk of serious adverse events remains low, and the benefits of CoviShield in preventing severe COVID-19 causes and hospitalizations are substantial. Enhanced safety monitoring, clear communication, and education about the vaccine’s benefits and risks are crucial to addressing vaccine hesitancy.