After releasing the first batch of civil circulation for ‘Sputnik V.’ Russia is now gearing up to deliver the vaccine across the country’s regions by Monday, September 14, 2020.
Health Minister of Russia, Mikhail Murashko, said that the first batch intended for high-risk groups is already in place as of September 8 (Wednesday), according to a report by TASS.
Meanwhile, schools in Russia have been functioning, and children have returned to schools after being shut down in late March.
Sputnik V, named after the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union, is the country’s official vaccine for COVID-19.
Despite being the first country to come up with a vaccine as early as August 11, western experts have expressed their warning towards the product since it is still on its third phase, whose approvals from international testings are still pending.
On the other hand, COVID-19 cases in Russia are still on the rise, with an average of 5,000+ new cases per day.
Furthermore, the said vaccine is being developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology under the Russian Health Ministry, and it glazes to commit a grant that permits a release of its first batch for civilian use.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said that more than one billion people would receive the long-awaited ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine from 2020 to 2021, according to a report by LiveMint.
‘Sputnik-V’: the controversy
‘Sputnik-V’ produces antibodies in all 76 participants of a human’s immune system, proving its functionality and effectiveness during the trials’ early phases.
But since the vaccine’s creation has been chastened, western experts worry that it may lead to some severe side-effects down the road.
A group of international scientists questioned the results posted in the Lancet Medical Journal, deeming the findings as “improbable.”
The scientists say that the results written in the said journal claim a seemingly equal number of antibodies produced in the participants, which is highly unlikely to happen.
Several other patterns of the same build-up increase suspicions, leading for more scientists to sign an open letter written by Temple University Professor Enrico Bucci.
Other vaccines
In other parts of the world, AstraZeneca has resumed clinical trials in Britain of its vaccine, saying it is one of the most advanced vaccines in terms of development.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF, said that he is delighted that AstraZeneca has resumed its trials but is also concerned that the suspension of the tests is “not a good sign.”
AstraZeneca had resumed its British clinical trials after getting the clean chit from safety watchdogs; the company revealed on September 12 (Saturday).
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