Covaxin Vaccine
By Covaxin
Rx
10ml Solution for Injection in a Vial

Composition
Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine(NA)

Manufacturer - Bharat Biotech
Genome Valley Shameerpet, Hyderabad – 500 078 Telagana INDIA

Expires on or after
August, 2025
About Covaxin Vaccine
Preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to halting the COVID-19 pandemic. Covaxin Vaccine is one of the first locally developed vaccines in India that has been granted emergency use approval for individuals aged 18 and above. Collaboratively developed by Bharat Biotech, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Institute of Virology in Pune, Covaxin underwent extensive clinical trials with over 26,000 participants, marking the largest clinical trial in India.
Covaxin contains an inactive form of the virus and is administered through an injection into the upper arm muscle. This prompts the body's immune system to generate a response that can prevent future infections without causing the disease itself. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose recommended four weeks after the first. Full protection against COVID-19 is achieved around two weeks after receiving the second dose.
Clinical results for Covaxin have shown an efficacy of 81% during phase-3 interim trials. However, its duration of protection remains uncertain. It is advisable to follow preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and monitoring health daily to curb COVID-19 transmission. Common side effects of the vaccine may include injection site reactions, arm stiffness, headache, fever, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and rashes, with most effects being temporary and manageable.
Before getting Covaxin, disclose all medical conditions and medications to your healthcare provider. Avoid the vaccine if you have allergies, a fever, bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, or medications affecting the immune system. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and those who have received another COVID-19 vaccine should not receive Covaxin, as its safety for these groups has not been established through trials.
Benefits
Covaxin Vaccine is highly effective in preventing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). By receiving the vaccine, you significantly reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Not only does Covaxin help in preventing COVID-19, but it also plays a crucial role in minimizing the severity of the illness if you do happen to get infected. This means that even if you are exposed to the virus, being vaccinated with Covaxin can provide a layer of protection, potentially preventing you from experiencing severe symptoms or complications. By completing the recommended doses of the Covaxin Vaccine, you ensure that you receive the maximum benefit and enhance your immunity against the virus. Ultimately, getting vaccinated with Covaxin not only safeguards your health but also helps protect your loved ones and the community by reducing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 infection.
How to use the Covaxin Vaccine
To use Covaxin Vaccine, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Your doctor or nurse will be able to guide you on the proper administration of the vaccine. Typically, Covaxin is given as an intramuscular injection in two doses, with the second dose usually administered a few weeks after the first dose. It is important to receive both doses as recommended to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will also inform you about any potential side effects to watch out for after receiving the vaccine. It is essential to keep in touch with your healthcare provider throughout the vaccination process and seek guidance if you have any concerns. By following your healthcare provider's instructions, you can safely and effectively use Covaxin to help protect yourself and others against the virus.
Uses of Covaxin Vaccine
The Covaxin Vaccine is primarily used for preventing the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is designed to protect individuals from contracting the virus and developing severe symptoms associated with COVID-19. By administering the Covaxin Vaccine, individuals can build immunity against the virus, reducing the likelihood of infection. This vaccine plays a crucial role in combating the ongoing pandemic by helping to lower the spread of the virus within communities. Administering the Covaxin Vaccine follows approved guidelines and protocols to ensure its effectiveness in providing protection against COVID-19.
What conditions Covaxin Vaccine treats?
Covaxin Vaccine is intended to prevent COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The vaccine, given as an injection in the upper arm muscle, stimulates the immune system to create a defense against the virus without causing the actual disease. Two doses are required, with optimal protection forming two weeks after the second dose. Common side effects, such as injection site reactions, headache, fever, and nausea, are temporary. It is advised to complete the vaccine doses and follow preventive measures such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Should you consult a doctor?
If after receiving the Covaxin Vaccine you experience side effects such as discomfort, injection site reactions, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, or rash that persist beyond 2-3 days or bother you, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Additionally, if you have any concerns about the side effects or if you are worried about your symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Moreover, if you have any underlying medical conditions or if you are taking medications that may interact with the vaccine, it is essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider before receiving the Covaxin Vaccine. Remember, it is always better to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you have any uncertainties or if you feel unwell after receiving the vaccine.
Side effects of Covaxin Vaccine
When receiving the Covaxin Vaccine, some individuals may experience side effects, although most of them do not require medical attention and typically subside as the body gets used to the vaccine. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the side effects persist or if there are concerns about them. Common side effects reported include rash, injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness, headaches, fever, a general feeling of discomfort, as well as nausea and vomiting. These side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Safety advice

liver
Limited information is currently available regarding the use of Covaxin Vaccine in individuals with liver disease. It is strongly advised to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance in such cases.

kidney
There is limited information available on the use of Covaxin Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

alcohol
"It is uncertain if consuming alcohol is safe with Covaxin Vaccine. Consult your doctor first. Experts say there is no proof that alcohol affects how the vaccine works."

driving
When using Covaxin Vaccine, it is unclear if it impacts driving ability. Avoid driving if you have symptoms that hinder focus or reaction time. It's essential to prioritize safety on the road.

pregnancy
Information about using Covaxin Vaccine during pregnancy is not currently available. It is advisable to consult with your doctor for guidance on this matter.

breastfeeding
It is better to consult your doctor before using Covaxin Vaccine.
Consumption warning before consuming Covaxin Vaccine
Before consuming Covaxin Vaccine, it's important to be aware of certain information for your safety. Covaxin is India's indigenous vaccine authorized for preventing COVID-19 in individuals aged 18 and older. Developed by Bharat Biotech, the vaccine contains an inactive form of the virus to stimulate an immune response. It is administered in two doses, with the second dose to be taken 4 weeks after the first for optimal protection.
While Covaxin has shown 81% efficacy in phase-3 trials, the duration of protection is yet uncertain. Potential side effects like injection site reactions, headache, and fever are mostly temporary. Consult a doctor if any symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days.
Before getting the vaccine, inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and medications. Do not take Covaxin if you have allergies, fever, bleeding disorders, or are on certain medications affecting the immune system. Children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals who have already taken another COVID-19 vaccine should refrain from receiving Covaxin for now.
What if you forgot to take Covaxin Vaccine?
If you happen to miss a dose of the Covaxin Vaccine, it is important to reach out to your doctor for guidance. Consulting your healthcare provider is crucial to determine the next steps to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccination. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take in the event of a missed dose. It is always recommended to adhere to the dosage schedule provided by your healthcare professional to achieve the full benefits of the Covaxin Vaccine. Remember, your doctor is there to help guide you through the vaccination process, so don't hesitate to seek their advice if you miss a dose.
Additional Information
Habit Forming | No |
Chemical Class | Vaccines |
Therapeutic Class | VACCINES |
Action Class | - |
FAQs
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
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Inclusive of all taxes
Content verified by

Dr. Upasana Bhatia
MBBS - General Medicine
Last update on 11-Feb-2025