Why we shouldn't get too exited for the new Russian vaccine | Corona update

Why we shouldn't get too excited for the new Russian vaccine ?

                         

Recently in a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia has found a vaccine for COVID-19 and is preparing for mass distribution in September of this year. The vaccine is developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow. The US has also accused Russia of stealing research documents of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Vaccines current Status :

                                                   

Russia’s Gamaleya National research facility for Epidemiology and Microbiology began human trials on its COVID-19 vaccine in June. In July, the chief researcher claimed that the trials had been concluded and that they were completely successful. On 11th August, Russia announced that the vaccine has been approved, it's ready and therefore the first batch has been unrolled in August. Mass vaccination will start within the upcoming months in Russia. The vaccine has been named Sputnik V after the Sputnik 1- the first-ever satellite to be launched from Earth.

It's questionable creditability :

                                         

Recently in a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia has found a vaccine for COVID-19 and is preparing for mass distribution in September of this year. Even as competitors remained in trial stages, with no products expected until 2021. Russia has approved this vaccine for public use without the final phase of human trials. It is the first coronavirus vaccine to be approved, though a Chinese vaccine has been cleared for ‘limited use’ prior to the Russian vaccine, to be administered only on soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army. This poses a serious threat to public health as a poorly developed vaccine can cause a large number of casualties.

What is India’s stance on Sputnik V

Although India has not made any public announcements regarding the Russian vaccine, India’s silence on this matter are often seen as a symbol of disinterest in Sputnik V. Medical professionals in India are of an equivalent opinion as to their international colleagues. They feel that the vaccine might not be suitable to be used. But there's no need for Indians to despair. albeit we don’t start vaccinating in September or October like Russia, our own vaccine might not be that far away.

                              

India is currently running phase 2 human trials on 2 indigenous vaccines:-

1. Covaxin which is being produced by Bharat Biotech, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV).
2. ZyCOV-D which is being produced by Zydus Cadila. 

On top of that, we are collaborating with Britain on their Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine too is in its trial introduce India and has shown tons of promise.

So, allow us to be hopeful! The medical profession is functioning around the clock to urge a secure COVID-19 vaccine within the market. within the meantime, we will prevent further spread of the infection by maintaining social distancing, going out only necessary and practicing social distancing and hygiene.