After one year of lockdown, social distancing measures, economic upheaval, and hiding behind masks, people are waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine now more than ever. The vaccination program for COVID-19 has started with full force in every country including India. India has approved two vaccines developed in India: ‘Covishield’ from Oxford-AstraZeneca and ‘Covaxin’ from Bharat Biotech for emergency use.  Frontline healthcare workers and the vulnerable remain the priority of every government and are expected to be inoculated by the end of July 2021. So the common people still have to wait 6-7 months to get vaccinated.  But people are restless and can’t wait any longer, so they have taken up the task to make COVID-19 vaccines at home. Even though not possible, “How to make COVID-19 vaccine at home” trended on Google after the news of vaccine approvals came out. 

The answer is no. Coronavirus vaccines should not be made at home. It took months of clinical trials for the two vaccines that were approved in India before they could be approved for emergency use throughout the nation. Clearly, at home, there is no way one can create vaccines. This is not the first time that Indians have Googled ways at home to manufacture the vaccine. In July 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height in India, according to sources, people had Googled similar methods of DIY.

Why are Indians searching for “how to make COVID-19 vaccine at home”?

The lack of a cure for COVID-19 has also helped pranksters and scammers to prey on the fears of the people by peddling fake remedies and recipes, spreading rumors and fake news on social media, including things like being ready for the COVID-19 vaccine, or that coronavirus can prevent tuberculosis vaccine, and more. Coronavirus home remedies have also gone viral on social media, misleading individuals into thinking that they are a cure or preventing COVID-19. These treatments are touted as a coronavirus vaccine in some instances, misleading individuals into thinking that a cure for COVID-19 has been found. Ramdev’s Patanjali, which advertised that its Coronil and Swasari products were remedies for coronavirus, and not just immunity boosters, is the most prominent example. Soon after, an FIR was filed against the firm and its charges had to be withdrawn.

It is important to remember that vaccine development takes a long time and includes several stages of testing and approval. Trying out mere methods presented on the internet can be harmful to both health and the body. People need to stay aware of such fake claims and wait patiently for government-approved vaccines. The vaccine is not something you can make at home.