The COVID-19 vaccination program is increasingly being carried out as an effort to prevent the transmission of the Corona virus. So far, there are two types of vaccines used in Indonesia, namely Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. Know the difference between AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines.
Millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed to the public in stages. Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines are two vaccines that have been given to priority groups, ranging from the elderly to health workers.
Although they have the same goal, namely to protect the body from exposure to the Corona virus, there are several differences between the AstraZeneca vaccine and Sinovac.
Difference between AstraZeneca and Sinovac Vaccines
The most basic difference between AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines is their content. The Sinovac vaccine uses an inactivated virus (inactivated virus), while the AstraZeneca vaccine used a chimpanzee adenovirus vector.
In addition to the content, the differences between the AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines are also in several other things, namely:
1. Vaccine administration schedule
The difference between AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines is in the schedule for administering the first and second doses of vaccine. For AstraZeneca, the gap is 8–12 weeks, while for Sinovac it is 2–4 weeks.
However, the dose recommended by WHO for these two vaccines is the same, namely 0.5 ml for each injection and given 2 times for each person.
2. Vaccine storage and distribution
For AstraZeneca vaccine, the maximum storage time is 6 months in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2–8 degrees Celsius.
If removed from the refrigerator, this vaccine can last at a temperature of 2–25 degrees Celsius for a maximum of 6 hours. This vaccine should not be frozen and must be used within 6 hours of opening.
Meanwhile, Sinovac vaccine can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius and can last up to 3 years. This vaccine should also be protected from direct sunlight.
3. Vaccine effectiveness
The difference between the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Sinovac vaccine lies in their efficacy or effectiveness. A study showed that the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19 was 76%, while the Sinovac vaccine was 56–65%.
Despite differences in effectiveness, both AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, prevent worsening of the condition, and shorten the duration of hospitalization if infected with the Corona virus.
If you are late for your second dose of vaccine, so you may be given a different type of COVID-19 vaccine than your first dose, you should make sure your doctor knows this.
4. Vaccine side effects
The side effects of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines are generally the same, namely pain at the injection site. In addition, there are some side effects that can also appear, namely:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Muscle ache
- Fever
- Headache
These side effects are mild and can go away in 1-2 days. To overcome this, you can take paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, or antihistamines, according to the side effects you feel.
However, do not take these drugs before vaccination in order to prevent side effects.
Although rare, there can also be some severe side effects of the vaccine, including:
- Inflammation around the spinal cord
- Hemolytic anemia
- High fever
If you experience severe side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, consult a doctor immediately for treatment.
Apart from the risk of these side effects, AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines have been declared to meet international standards by WHO, both in the manufacturing process, safety, and efficacy.
Therefore, if it is your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the type of vaccine, get vaccinated immediately. The sooner everyone gets the vaccine, the sooner this pandemic will end.
While waiting for the vaccination schedule and after vaccination, continue to apply health protocols to prevent transmission of the Corona virus. Always wear a mask when outside the house, keep your distance from other people, avoid crowds, wash your hands regularly, and keep your immune system healthy by eating nutritious food and getting enough rest.
Before getting vaccinated against COVID-19, make sure you meet the criteria as a vaccine recipient. For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, first consult with your doctor to determine whether you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine or not, according to your health condition.
If you still have questions about the difference between AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines, don't hesitate to ask your doctor via the ALODOKTER application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.