Covid-19 Vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccines represent a significant achievement in the history of medical science. Developed in response to the global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, these vaccines were designed at an unprecedented pace and yet underwent rigorous testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. Leveraging various technologies, from mRNA platforms to viral vector and protein subunit approaches, these vaccines have been instrumental in curbing the spread of the virus, reducing severe disease, and saving countless lives. They acted as a pivotal tool in the world's collective effort to end the pandemic and restore normalcy to societies worldwide.

Background of Covid-19 Vaccine

In 2020, COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as a global pandemic with significant health and socio-economic impacts. This necessitated the development of a vaccine.

Need for the Development of Covid-19 Vaccine

The world has faced several pandemics, however, vaccines were not made for each of them. But in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were several reasons responsible for the development of COVID-19 vaccines such as:

• Transmission dynamics: SARS-CoV-2 has a high transmission rate, with many cases spread by asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals, thereby making containment a challenging task.
• Overwhelmed healthcare systems: Rapid spread led to overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare providers, leading to scenarios where individuals were not able to receive adequate care.
• Comorbidities: People with underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc were at larger risk and in the absence of an established treatment procedure were at larger risk.
• Variants of concern: Multiple variants of the virus have emerged, some of which are associated with increased transmissibility, altered disease severity, or reduced vaccine efficacy.
• Economic impact: The pandemic led to unprecedented global economic downturns, necessitating a swift medical solution to allow a return to normalcy.
• Public pressure: The daily toll on lives and healthcare systems generated immense public demand for a vaccine.

Types of Covid-19 Vaccines

Several vaccines for COVID-19 developed are mentioned below:

India and COVID-19 Vaccine Development

India, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, spearheaded COVID-19 vaccine development, producing indigenous vaccines like Covaxin and facilitating large-scale manufacturing of global candidates, reinforcing its pivotal role in global health solutions.

Vaccines Developed in India

India has been at the forefront of the global COVID-19 vaccine development and production efforts. Major vaccines developed in India are:

Araogya Setu

To aid in the fight against COVID-19 in India, the government developed Aarogya Setu, a smartphone app. This smartphone app combines GPS and Bluetooth to track the virus and determine whether or not someone has been in contact with an infected person. Key features include:

• COVID-19 cases and updates: Aarogya Setu tracks the number of COVID-19 cases in India, including new cases, recoveries, and deaths. This tool keeps users informed about COVID-19 trends and its national impact.
• Self-assessment: A key element of the software is the self-assessment tool. Users can quickly self-assess by answering questions about their symptoms, travel history, and COVID-19 exposure. Based on responses, the app calculates a risk score and advises users on medical advice or precautions.
• Covid-19 testing centers: Aarogya Setu helps consumers find nearby testing centers. This information helps people discover testing facilities if they suspect virus exposure or symptoms.
• COVID-19 helpline and resources: The app lists government helplines and assistance services. Emergency helplines, state-specific helplines, and other tools can help users report COVID-19 concerns.
• Safety guidelines and best practices: Aarogya Setu provides health authorities' COVID-19 prevention guidelines. These instructions encompass masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, and other precautions.
  • Users can obtain quarantine protocols to learn how to self-isolate owing to exposure or travel history.
• Vaccination: The app provides information about the Indian COVID-19 vaccination push, including eligibility criteria, vaccination centers, and registration.

India’s Vaccination Strategy

India faced a humongous task of vaccinating over 1 billion population. However, with the effective use of ICT and efficient planning and implementation, India achieved a big milestone of administering over 220 crore vaccine doses. Key aspects of India’s strategy were:

• Phased approach: The drive began with healthcare and frontline workers, followed by those above 60 years, and then those above 45 years with co-morbidities.
• Co-WIN platform: A digital platform for real-time monitoring of vaccine delivery, registration, and scheduling for beneficiaries, and for reporting adverse events.
• Decentralized delivery: Both government and private sector health facilities were used as vaccination centers.
• AEFI (Adverse Event Following Immunization) monitoring: A surveillance system to monitor and address any side effects or adverse reactions post-vaccination.
• Equitable distribution: Ensuring that vaccines reach every state and union territory in proportion to their population and the number of cases.
• Continuous review and feedback loop: Regular reviews of the vaccination strategy to address any challenges and feedback from the ground level.
• Diversified Vaccine portfolio: Granting emergency use authorization to multiple vaccines to ensure a broad supply.
• Community engagement: Engaging with community influencers, leaders, and organizations for widespread advocacy and acceptance of the vaccine.

Vaccine Maitri

• Meaning: A facet of global health diplomacy where nations use vaccine development/delivery to enhance ties with other countries.
• Importance of India’s vaccine diplomacy:
  • Strategic:
    • Earn long-term goodwill by assisting neighbouring countries.
    • Aligns with India’s "neighbourhood first" initiative.
    • Counter China’s vaccine diplomacy in the region.
    • Gain leverage as Western countries focus on their issues.
  • Economic:
    • Position India as a global vaccine supply hub.
    • Boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in India.
    • Enhance India's GDP by becoming a primary vaccine manufacturer.
    • Rescue from Vaccine Cold War: India's early shipments counteract the US-China vaccine distribution tug-of-war.
    • Earning moral right: India's actions contrast with criticisms of rich countries’ vaccine distribution priorities.
    • Disrupting Vaccine Nationalism: India's distribution disrupts the trend of countries prioritizing their citizens over others.
    • Facilitating global collaboration: India supports global efforts, notably the WHO-backed COVAX Facility.

Significance of Covid-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccines represent a critical step in fighting the pandemic, significantly lessening disease impact. Several benefits associated with COVID-19 vaccines are:

• Prevention of Severe Disease and Death
  • Reduction in mortality: Dramatic decrease in COVID-19-related deaths among vaccinated populations.
  • Lower hospitalization rates: Vaccinated individuals are less likely to require hospital care if infected.
• Curbing the Spread
  • Community immunity: Reduced transmission rates help approach herd immunity.
  • Protection of the vulnerable: Vaccinating a majority indirectly protects those who can't be vaccinated.
• Economic Revival
  • Reopening economies: As more people get vaccinated, businesses and markets can reopen safely.

Employment: Resumption of work leading to reduced unemployment rates.

• Travel resumption: Eased travel restrictions and quarantines for vaccinated travellers.
• Psychological and Mental Health Benefits
  • Reduced anxiety: Lesser fear of contracting severe disease.
  • Social interaction: Human connections and interactions vital for mental well-being resume.
• Research and Scientific Collaboration
  • Global collaboration: Countries collaborated for vaccine research and distribution.
  • Rapid advancements: Demonstrated potential for quick scientific solutions in emergencies.
• Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
  • Vaccine diplomacy: Nations helping others by providing vaccines, and fostering cooperation.
• Preparedness for Future Pandemics
  • Research base: The rapid vaccine development sets a precedent for future challenges.
  • Infrastructure development: Better-equipped labs and research facilities for the future.

Challenges associated with Covid-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines, while groundbreaking, faced hurdles in development, distribution, and acceptance, highlighting the complexities of global health interventions during unprecedented times. Several challenges associated with Covid-19 vaccines were:

• Production and Supply Chain Issues
  • Scaling production: Rapidly increasing manufacturing capacity to meet global demand.
  • Raw materials: Shortages of essential vaccine components.
  • Logistics: Ensuring cold storage and timely distribution.
  • Efficacy and Variants
  • Variable efficacy: Different vaccines show varied efficacy rates.
  • Emerging variants: Some variants reduce vaccine effectiveness, necessitating updates and boosters.
  • Administration and Distribution
  • Cold storage: Some vaccines require ultra-cold storage, complicating distribution.
  • Equitable distribution: Ensuring vaccines reach all countries, especially low-income nations.
• Acceptance and Hesitancy
  • Misinformation: Addressing false information and conspiracy theories.
  • Vaccine trust: Building and maintaining public trust in vaccine safety and efficacy.
  • Safety Concerns and Monitoring
  • Side effects: Addressing and monitoring both common and rare side effects.
  • Long-term data: Accumulating long-term safety and efficacy data.
  • Regulatory and Approval Hurdles
  • Emergency use: Many vaccines were initially approved for emergency use, requiring further study for full approval.
  • Global standards: Varied approval processes and standards across countries.
• Economic and Political Challenges
  • Cost barriers: Making vaccines affordable or free for all.
  • Geopolitical tensions: Vaccine diplomacy and potential misuse for political leverage.
  • Future Preparedness
  • Long-term strategy: Determining the need for booster shots and updated vaccines.
  • Infrastructure: Building a resilient global infrastructure for potential future pandemics.

Covid-19 Vaccines UPSC PYQs

Question 1: In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent Covid-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. The Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Covid-19 Vaccines FAQs

Q1. What are the main types of COVID-19 vaccines?

Ans. The primary types include mRNA vaccines, vector vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and inactivated vaccines.

Q2. How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

Ans. COVID-19 vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and combat the virus, preparing the body to fight the virus if exposed.

Q3. Why do some vaccines require two doses?

Ans. The first dose primes the immune system, and the second strengthens the immune response to ensure long-lasting protection.

Q4. How do vaccines achieve herd immunity?

Ans. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, it reduces the overall spread, protecting even those who can't be vaccinated.

Q5. What's inside the vaccine besides the active ingredient?

Ans. Vaccines may contain lipids, salts, sugars, or other components to ensure stability and efficacy. All ingredients are listed by the manufacturers.