Russia becomes the first country to bring out the vaccine for the world pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the Russian government approves it. The government of Russia recently approved its use in tens of thousands of people, although it has not been tested for effectiveness.
Russia has named the first Coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' after the world's first artificial satellite launched during the space race. Similarly, the Russian communication media has framed the worldwide effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine as a similar "race."
Regarding the announcement of 'Sputnik V,' Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed Russia the frontrunner.
Coronavirus Vaccine (©: washingtonpost.com)
Putin mentioned:
"We must be grateful to those who made that first step very important for our country and the entire world. I know [the vaccine] has proven efficient and forms a stable immunity."
Russia announced the first vaccine of COVID-19 on 11 August 2020. However, it has several questioning of the scientists as it got approved just after a couple of months of human testing. As per chemist, Derek Lowe:
"Less than two months of human testing is about enough time to do the first steps, a Phase I trial that gives you some idea of immune response across more than one dose."
Similarly, 'Russia's Association of Clinical Trials Organizations' stated:
"Fast-tracked approval will not make Russia the leader in the [vaccine] race, it will just expose consumers of the vaccine to unnecessary danger."
As there was no clinical transparency while approving the vaccine, scientists have been saying that there was no 'phase 3' clinical trial, the final stage of testing required for a vaccine to be approved.
Reports claim that phase 3 trials can show that a vaccine prevents COVID-19 infection; however, it is not publicized by the Russian government.
Can 'Sputnik V' Vaccine Cure Coronavirus?
Still, the mysteries are prevalent regarding the first-ever Coronavirus vaccine by Russia. And many scientists and health experts worry about the mass vaccination because there is no guarantee that the vaccine works on human.
The first two human tests of the 'Sputnik V' was successful and well-celebrated. However, the Russian government did not publicize the third test, which has brought several controversies in the health field. Many say that there was no 'Phase 3' clinical trial on human, which could show whether the vaccine was worthy or not. So, it has kept all in a dilemma whether to trust the vaccine or not.
On the other hand, the Russian government has already approved the vaccine, and President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian scientists achieved a breakthrough in the global vaccine race.
Most interestingly, Putin mentioned that one of his daughters has already taken a dose, reports washingtonpost.com.
Similarly, the government is determined to administer the vaccine to millions of people this summer and fall. It includes millions of teachers and front-line health-care workers in the coming weeks.
Human Testing of Coronavirus (©: firstpost.com)
However, it also has received a series of criticism for it was reportedly approved before completing the clinical trial. Many cited that the approval was the race to be the first, which can also be felt in Putin's statement regarding the vaccine. He said Russia the frontrunner recently.
Moreover, Russia's Health Ministry has not responded to the global concern about 'Sputnik V.' So, it remains unclear whether the vaccine can cure Coronavirus.