Russian President Vladamir Putin had stunned the world by announcing that Russia had registered a new vaccine for COVID19. And he named it after Russia’s first satellite ‘Sputnik’. However, many medical and virology specialists in the world are skeptical about the President’s claim. There were many concerns about this vaccine and its effectiveness. However, Putin and Russian scientists do not seem perturbed by the criticism. Russia stated that it has launched vaccine production and it would be available in the markets any time soon.
AIIMS Delhi Director Dr. Randeep Guleria spoke to media about Russia’s claim. “India will critically see if the vaccine is safe. We have to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine” said Dr. Guleria. The focus, according to him, is to check whether there will be any side-effects of the vaccine. He said he would expect that this vaccine would provide good immunity and protection from the virus. However, he expressed his concerns about Russia’s decision to register this vaccine before conducting Phase 3 human trails that usually has to undergo thousands of people for several months.
“India has the capacity for mass production of the vaccine,” Dr. Guleria said to a question while speaking to media persons.
WHO & US doubts Russia’s claims
The United States responded in caution and expressed its doubts over Russia’s vaccine claim. The US under Operation Warp Speed initiative has been working on at least six vaccines for a cure against the novel coronavirus. “We have more stringent standards in vaccine development,” said White House counselor Kellyanne Conway in a statement.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been closely monitoring the development. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic while speaking at a UN briefing in Geneva on Tuesday stated that WHO officials are in ‘close contact’ with the Russian health authorities seeking details on safety and efficacy data.
Pre-orders for vaccine crosses 20 billion doses
Meanwhile, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko gave details about the development, safety, production of the vaccine. The Gamaleeya Center of Russian Health Ministry and Binnopharm have jointly developed the vaccine, claiming to be the first registered vaccine against the coronavirus in the world. It is learned that pre-ordered doses stood 20 billion from over 20 countries. Industrial production of the new vaccine on a mass scale would start from September onwards, said the Russian Health Ministry.
