Since the nightmare of Covid-19 grappling our minds for last two years, vaccine has been the ray of hope. The deadly Corona virus is changing its genetic make up very rapidly with new mutant strains coming to the limelight. After the furious Delta, now Omicron is the prevalent strain in most part of the world. Though it is relatively less fatal, but the infectiousness is very high.
Now the world is under the grip of third wave. It is clearly evident those people vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are relatively less hospitalized with low morbidity and mortality. The rapid vaccination coverage is probably helping towards the goal of herd immunity. Various vaccine manufactures working day and night to bring effective vaccines against the highly mutant strains of the corona virus. Let’s have a look at the already available vaccines around the world.
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Another mile stone achieved
Last friday in February 5 India launched World’s first DNA corona vaccine in Patna, Bihar.
The first of its kind plasmid integrated DNA vaccine is manufactured by Zydus Cadila pharma.
HOW IT WORKS??
It is based on plasmid DNA which has genes encoding the spike proteins present on the surface of the corona virus. After injection, the plasmid is integrated to the nucleus of host cell where it is replicated to m-RNA. The m-RNA then codes for the spike proteins.
SOME UNIQUE FEATURES OF ZYCOV-D–
It is the first DNA based Corona vaccine approved in the world.
It works under the the plasmid based technology.
DCGI in India has approved its use in adolescents above 12 years.
The vaccine works as “needle less ” pharm jet technology with intradermal delivery of vaccine without a needle.
Those fearing needle, it will a perfect choice increasing the vaccination coverage.
DOSES OF THE VACCINE–
Unlike other vaccines , it is given in 3 doses at Day 0, Day 28, Day 56.
Each dose is given in both arms with intradermal needle free applicator.
Efficacy–
In phase-III trials the vaccine has shown 66% efficacy.
The Government of India has ordered 10 million doses of ZyCov-D
(Source–multiple sources )
