If recent reports are to be believed, Russian vaccine Sputnik makers say that Sputnik is the most effective against Omicron. It has disputed Western studies on this matter. It has been researched widely by the U.S. authorities that; Sputnik provides no efficacy against the Omicron variant.
Effectiveness Of Sputnik Against Omicron Variant
The Gamaleya Institute along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund had launched the main Sputnik vaccine along with the lighter version.
It has recently released a statement saying that laboratory tests have shown that it neutralizes the virus best. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also joined in, saying that it is indeed effective in staling the virus in its tracks.
What The Russian President and Officials Have to Say?
The president has said that Sputnik is indeed very effective in stopping the infection from the Omicron variant. He has made this statement at the meeting he recently had with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. In the meanwhile, researchers from various universities have said that the claims are yet to be reviewed. As the data being presented and the ones the reviewing authorities have are conflicting in nature.
The study has taken into account the data from health care workers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The data that the researchers against the data have shown that no antibodies were created. Russia has so far reported 25 cases of the highly-contagious Omicron virus.
The Reports Yet to Be Submitted
THE Russian vaccine-maker is yet to submit all the data pertaining to its researches. The manufacturing inspection reports are expected in February. Moscow had in urgency given approval to the vaccine last year when the number of cases had shot up. Moreover, it had also exported the vaccine to numerous countries across the world. However, it is still not certified by WHO or the European medical agencies.
Rogerio Gaspar, who is the WHO regulation director, has given a new time schedule to use it in an emergency for the Omicron variant. The officials in CDC expect to get the reports in two segments in December and January. The company has already started seeking GMP certifications. Going back to another year, the WHO had approved nine vaccines for emergency use. The authorities had also urged various countries to step you their operations in manufacturing the vaccines.
Efficacy Data Awaited
The WHO is also keeping fingers crossed, so as to receive the reports from the manufacturers, as soon as possible. Once the vaccine gets approval from WHO, it will then start conversations with countries where the surge is huge. There is no bias from the agencies, as it is will be for the betterment of the global citizens. The Russian Sputnik was registered in August 2020. It was actually the world’s first legal vaccine, as at that time, none had come out with their versions. It also has recognition in 70 countries across the globe.
Russian spokespersons for Sputnik have said that they are ready for exports to other countries if there is a need. This has come as good news in the wake of the upheaval caused by the surge in Omicron cases. There are growing concerns about the Omicron surge, and more vaccine supplies and boosters seem to be the only way out. For the uninitiated, Omicron first emerged in South Africa in November and has already spread to 90 countries. And, it does not show any signs of stopping. So, booster doses are the only way out it seems.
The governments of most countries are taking important decisions, especially as it is the holiday season, like last two years that led to a rise in infections. A third booster may be something, which people have to fall back on now.
