Following a number of bleak months riddled with uncertainty, there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel, as the first coronavirus vaccine has been approved, and others are expected to follow suit in the coming months. The first COVID-19 vaccine came from Russia and has received a mixed response.
Russia is now ready to roll out its vaccine, although there is scepticism about its effectiveness and safety. The reason for this is because there has been less than two months of human testing, which has yielded to several countries and health bodies voicing their concerns.
Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine. He also emphasised that the vaccine showed “stable immunity” and has passed all the necessary checks.
So why Sputnik V?
This new COVID-19 vaccine is named in homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union. It is important to mention that this vaccine has not yet completed its phase three trial. This trial includes large scale testing, which would typically consist of thousands of participants.
There are more than a hundred and seventy research teams working on different COVID-19 vaccines. Seven of which are already in phase three trials, the final phase before approval!
What about Sputnik V?
This vaccine from Russia was developed by the Gamaleya research institute, together with the Russian defence ministry. It is stated that the vaccine is based on a proven one which works against the common cold. It has also been announced that this new vaccine can provide immunity for up to two years. With that said, the results of the trails undertaken are still yet to be made public.
The vaccine is administered in two doses and does consist of two serotypes of human adenovirus, each carrying an S-antigen of the new coronavirus, which enter human cells and therefore produce an immune response.
The Health Minister for Russia indicated that thousands of people will be inoculated with the vaccine as part of a clinical trial. It will become available for medical personnel in the coming days, with a view of mass use by October.
Although there were numerous experts and governments who have raised doubts about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, some countries have expressed interest in acquiring it.
The reaction by the World Health Organisation is that it looks forward to reviewing the results of the clinical trials.
What do you think about this recently announced vaccine? Let us know in the comments section below.
