What Is COVID-19 Infection?
COVID-19 infection is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It mainly affects the respiratory health of an individual, and in severe cases, it may also lead to death.
What Is the SARS-CoV-2 Virus?
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the larger family of viruses known as the Coronaviruses. Coronaviruses are named such because of the presence of spike proteins similar to crowns in them. They are primarily airborne viruses affecting both humans and animals. It causes influenza and flu-like symptoms.
How Does the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Spread?
A SARS-CoV-2 virus is an airborne virus. It spreads from an infected person through droplets in the air and the surrounding environment. It can also be transmitted by touching the objects of an infected person, shaking hands, and coming in close contact with infected persons. In addition, the animal-to-human spread of the virus is possible.
How Do Coronavirus Affect Humans?
After entering the airway, the coronavirus binds to the cells lining the throat, and from there, it moves to the lungs and other parts of the body. In the lungs, it damages the tiny air sacs, thus severely decreasing the oxygen and leading to reduced blood and oxygen supply to the body parts (ischemia).
Who Is More Vulnerable to Contract COVID-19?
The COVID-19 infection is more common in:
-
Immunocompromised persons.
-
People over the age of sixty and suffering from one or more chronic diseases (comorbidities).
-
People who have had recent contact with the infected person.
-
Those who travel to the infected region.
What Are the Clinical Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19?
The signs and symptoms appear within fourteen days of contact with an infected individual. However, many individuals may be asymptomatic or present with mild to severe infectious manifestations.
The clinical presentations include:
-
Fever.
-
Cough.
-
Shortness of breath.
-
Body aches.
-
Muscle ache.
-
Sore throat.
-
Loss of taste and smell.
-
Nausea and vomiting.
-
Diarrhea.
-
Congestion.
-
Runny nose.
What Is the CorbeVax Vaccine?
CorbeVax is a classic protein subunit made up of SARS-CoV-2 protein. It is prepared using traditional vaccine technology and helps improve or enhance the host's immunity.
What Is the Structural Composition of the CorbeVax Vaccine?
CorbeVax vaccine is composed of receptor binding spike protein adhering to a thin alum film and another adherent CpG1018. RBD N1C1 was chosen as the final antigen for the vaccine because of its easy processing and formulation preparations.
When and Where Was the Vaccine Developed Initially?
The antigen of the vaccine was first developed in the Texas children’s hospital in May 2020. It is manufactured by Biological E. Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company.
What Are the Indications of the Corbevax Vaccine?
It is most widely used for boosting immunity and protecting the body against COVID-19 infection.
Is the CorbeVax Vaccine Effective Against the New Omicron Variant?
CorbeVax vaccine has been found to be effective in neutralizing the ancestral SARS-COV-2. However, it also affects the newer concern variants like Beta, Delta, and Omicron.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Storing the Vaccine?
The ideal temperature for storing the CorbeVax vaccine is two to eight degrees Celsius. The vaccine should be prevented from freezing. Once it gets frozen, the vaccine should be discarded.
How Was the CorbeVax Vaccine Developed?
The vaccine was developed by incorporating the genetic material of a part of the SARS virus spike protein into yeast to produce large amounts of the viral genetic material. The genetic material obtained was integrated with an adjuvant, which helps improve the vaccine's immune response.
Which Countries Have Authorized the Usage of CorbeVax Vaccines?
CorbeVax vaccine has been authorized for use by the United States of America and the United Kingdom. In addition, India has approved using the CorbeVax vaccine for adolescents belonging to twelve to fourteen age groups.
Can the CorbeVax Vaccine Be Administered to Adolescents?
CorbeVax can be given to adolescents in the age group of twelve to eighteen years based on their interim safety and immunogenicity (the ability of the vaccine to generate an immune response in the host cell).
What Is the Administration Dosage of CorbeVax Vaccine?
CorbeVax is administered to all adolescents in the age group of twelve to fourteen years in two doses. The doses are administered intramuscularly, with the first and second dose gap being twenty-eight days. 0.5 ml of CorbeVax vaccine is administered for a single dose. In addition, it is available in 0.5 ml, 5 ml, and 10 ml vial packs.
What Are the Limitations of the CorbeVax Vaccine?
CorbeVax is a subunit vaccine, and hence it does not contain the entire pathogen. Instead, it includes a subunit or part of the antigen, which helps in boosting immunity. Using a subunit of antigen makes the vaccine safer and makes the production easier. However, such vaccines require the presence of adjuvants to elicit a more robust immune response. Adjuvants are substances that trigger a stronger immune response when added to the vaccines.
Is CorbeVax Harmful?
CorbeVax is a harmless vaccine that helps in boosting the immune system of the person receiving the dose against SARS-CoV-2.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With the Administration of the CorbeVax Vaccine?
The administration of the CorbeVax vaccine is linked to mild side effects. However, so far, the side effects in children have been nil, and the symptoms are more appreciable in people taking boosters, such as:
-
Fever.
-
Dizziness.
-
Pain in the area where the injection was given.
-
Headache.
-
Bodyache.
Can CorbeVax Be Given as a Booster?
CorbeVax is an excellent choice as a booster dose for individuals who have already taken the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.
What Is the Efficacy of CorbeVax?
The efficacy of the CorbeVax vaccine is comparable to that of the Moderna and AstraZeneca COVID vaccines. In addition, the CorbeVax vaccine was shown to provide superior humoral (immunity achieved by the production of antibodies) and cellular immunity compared to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Conclusion:
CorbeVax is a recombinant protein-subunit of the total pathogen. It is primarily used along with an adjuvant to boost the immune status of an individual and prevent COVID infection. It is a harmless vaccine that can be administered to children and adolescents.
