COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield)
COVID-19 Vaccine · 12+ years
12+ years
Age Group
66-90% against symptomatic COVID-19; >90% against severe disease and hospitalization
Efficacy
₹780 (private) / Free (Govt)
Cost Range
Serum Institute of India (Licensed from AstraZeneca)
Manufacturer
💉About the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) Vaccine
Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) is a viral vector vaccine developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India. It was the primary vaccine used in India's COVID-19 vaccination programme. It uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene to stimulate immunity.
Efficacy
66-90% against symptomatic COVID-19; >90% against severe disease and hospitalization
Age Group
12+ years
Cost Range
₹780 (private) / Free (Govt)
Manufacturer
Serum Institute of India (Licensed from AstraZeneca)
Category
COVID-19
Protection
3 diseases
Find Vaccination Centres Near You
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) at 200+ certified hospitals and clinics across India. Walk-in or scheduled appointments available.
🛡️Diseases Prevented
📅Dosage Schedule
Primary series: 2 doses, 4-12 weeks apart (0.5 ml IM). Precaution interval: 8-12 weeks between doses provides better immune response. Booster (Covishield or heterologous): single dose 6-9 months after primary series.
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⚠️Common Side Effects
- 1Very common: Injection site pain/tenderness
- 2fatigue
- 3headache
- 4myalgia
- 5nausea. Common: fever
- 6chills. Rare: Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) ~1-3 per 100
- 7000 doses (higher with first dose). Anaphylaxis: very rare.
🚫Who Should NOT Get This Vaccine
- 1Previous VITT or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- 2severe allergy to polysorbate 80 or prior dose anaphylaxis. Note: mRNA vaccine preferred for those at risk for VITT.
✅Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) Vaccine
- 112+ years — as recommended by national immunisation guidelines
- 2Individuals without prior immunity or with incomplete vaccination history
- 3People at higher risk of exposure due to travel, occupation, or close contact with infected individuals
- 4Those advised by a healthcare provider based on their specific health profile and risk factors
- 5Pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should consult their doctor for personalised advice
Star Health Insurance
FeaturedIndia's #1 Standalone Health Insurer
Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
Your Vaccination Journey
Before Vaccination
Consult your doctor to confirm eligibility for the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield). Discuss any allergies, current medications, and your medical history. Avoid getting vaccinated if you have a fever or acute illness.
Vaccination Day
The COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) is administered by injection or orally by a certified healthcare professional. The procedure takes just a few minutes. You will be observed for 15–30 minutes for immediate reactions.
24–48 Hours After
Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue are normal and resolve on their own. Stay hydrated and rest. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Follow-Up Doses
Complete the full dosage schedule as prescribed — skipping doses reduces effectiveness. Follow-up doses are usually given within weeks to months of the first dose.
COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) Vaccination Cost in India (2024–25)
| Service | Govt / Free | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine Cost | Free (UIP eligible) | ₹780 (private) / Free (Govt) |
| Administration Fee | Nil | ₹100 – ₹500 |
| Pre-vaccination Consultation | ₹0 – ₹100 | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Home Vaccination Service | Not available | ₹300 – ₹800 extra |
| Digital Certificate | Free (Co-WIN) | Included / ₹50–₹200 |
* Costs are approximate estimates for India (2024–25). Prices vary by city and provider. Under India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), several vaccines are available free at government health centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) vaccine?+
Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) is a viral vector vaccine developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India. It was the primary vaccine used in India's COVID-19 vaccination programme. It uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene to stimulate immunity.
Who should get the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) vaccine?+
The COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) is recommended for 12+ years. It falls under the COVID-19 vaccine category. Consult your doctor to confirm if this vaccine is right for you based on your health history and existing immunity.
How effective is the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) vaccine?+
The COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) has an efficacy of 66-90% against symptomatic COVID-19; >90% against severe disease and hospitalization. This means it provides significant protection against COVID-19 disease (caused by SARS-CoV-2) and Severe COVID-19. Efficacy may vary based on age, health status, and the specific strain encountered.
What are the common side effects of COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield)?+
Common side effects include: Very common: Injection site pain/tenderness; fatigue; headache; myalgia. These are typically mild and resolve within 1–3 days. Serious allergic reactions are rare — if you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or rapid heartbeat after vaccination, seek emergency care immediately.
Who should NOT get the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) vaccine?+
The COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) should be avoided by: Previous VITT or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); severe allergy to polysorbate 80 or prior dose anaphylaxis. Note: mRNA vaccine preferred for those at risk for VITT.. Always inform your healthcare provider of your full medical history before vaccination.
How much does the COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) vaccine cost in India?+
The COVID-19 Vaccine (Covishield) typically costs ₹780 (private) / Free (Govt) in India. Government health centres may offer it free or at subsidised prices for eligible age groups. Private hospitals and clinics may charge differently. Additional fees may apply for administration.
Community Q&A
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before vaccination. In emergencies, call 112.