Russia tells SL: First dose provides sufficient protection

In what appeared to be another radical step in global vaccine development, Russia informed Sri Lanka that its Sputnik V could even be used as a single shot vaccine following new clinical data about the development of 70-80 percent efficacy level after the first jab, an official said.

Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology held a Zoom discussion with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri Lanka last week regarding this matter.

However, the vaccine has been developed initially to be administered in two shots 28 days apart, though the latest studies show that the first dose provides enough protection.

NMRA Chairman Dr. Rasitha Wijewantha told Daily Mirror his office had granted regulatory clearance for Sputnik V to be given in two jabs only.

Therefore, he said any reversal of the policy decision would require the analysis of clinical data that emerged after the latest studies.

“We have to study such data before any conclusion,” he said. Sri Lanka has already struck a commercial deal with Russia for the purchase of Sputnik V vaccine doses. Already, 65,000 doses have been delivered to Sri Lanka.

“According to what the Russian authorities said, the first dose of Sputnik V will generate 70-80 percent immunogenicity. We have registered it here as a vaccine to be administered in two shots. So, we have to give the second dose to our first recipients. The second dose will boost immunity to the next level.

Earlier, they said it could happen after 28 days of the first dose. Now, they say the second dose can be delayed up to 90 days,” he said.

Besides, Russia has also developed a single dose vaccine named ‘Sputnik Light’. It has been authorized for use in Russia at the moment. The Sputnik Light vaccine showed an efficacy of 79.4 percent. (Kelum Bandara)