Diagnostic tools for evaluating the effectiveness of COVID 19 vaccines: Challenges and solution

Evaluation of potential immunity due to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection or vaccination is essential for health as well as social and economic recovery. Two vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin) produced in India have been authorized for emergency use in India. Which vaccine to prefer if the choices given to the recipients is a matter of general curiosity and public health interest. Different types of testing methodologies are being carried out in various laboratories around the world. There is no standardized measurement process and definitive set of values to know the protective immune response. A suitable antibody test which can be used as a tool to check whether the vaccine has triggered a sufficient immune response is required. The method needs to have the ability to measure the true quantity of antibody generated and it should be traceable to the international unit.