COVID-19 VACCINATIONS - SPUTNIK V IN INDIA AND OUTSIDE OF INDIA

  

I want to thank all of you(my visual audience) for the reactions,feedbacks,enthusim towards my 1st ever blog on Covid-19 vaccination in India.So, this is my 2nd blog post and today I will try to give you information about Covid-19 vaccination outside India as I promised.

 Depending on the country, Covid-19 vaccination campaigns started in December 2020. Since the available quantities of vaccine are not sufficient to meet the needs of the population at once, people at risk and those directly involved in the fight against the pandemic are the first to be vaccinated.

The table below ranks countries according to the total number of doses administered as of 27 August 2021,Worldwide.

In the absence of a global database, the statistics are based on publications from country-specific health agencies and ministries.

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
1	China	1.99 billion	11	Mexico	81.92 million	21	Saudi Arabia	35.17 million
2	India	597.92 million	12	Russia	78.05 million	22	Colombia	33.70 million
3	United States	364.84 million	13	Italy	76.21 million	23	Malaysia	32.64 million
4	Brazil	181.91 million	14	England	75.24 million	24	Philippines	31.43 million
5	Japan	122.22 million	15	Spain	64.31 million	25	Morocco	31.25 million
6	Germany	100.19 million	16	Canada	52.73 million	26	Chile	28.20 million
7	Indonesia	92.11 million	17	Pakistan	47.80 million	27	Thailand	25.82 million
8	Turkey	91.08 million	18	Argentina	39.95 million	28	Bangladesh	24.25 million
9	United Kingdom	89.87 million	19	South Korea	39.29 million	29	Netherlands	21.82 million
10	France	84.99 million	20	Poland	35.92 million	30	Iran	19.89 million

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
31	Sri Lanka	18.10 million	41	Cuba	12.70 million	51	Austria	10.36 million
32	Cambodia	17.95 million	42	Sweden	12.22 million	52	Romania	9.69 million
33	United Arab Emirates	17.84 million	43	Uzbekistan	12.10 million	53	Switzerland	9.45 million
34	Australia	17.75 million	44	Kazakhstan	11.57 million	54	Nepal	8.87 million
35	Vietnam	17.65 million	45	Czechia	11.34 million	55	Singapore	8.78 million
36	Peru	17.50 million	46	Greece	11.25 million	56	Ukraine	8.46 million
37	Ecuador	17.07 million	47	South Africa	11.08 million	57	Denmark	8.43 million
38	Belgium	15.94 million	48	Dominican Republic	10.93 million	58	Egypt	8.00 million
39	Portugal	14.35 million	49	Hungary	10.56 million	59	Scotland	7.69 million
40	Israel	13.11 million	50	Taiwan	10.50 million	60	Hong Kong	7.23 million

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
61	Ireland	6.68 million	71	Tunisia	5.05 million	81	Zimbabwe	3.96 million
62	Finland	6.59 million	72	Venezuela	4.68 million	82	Paraguay	3.78 million
63	Norway	6.42 million	73	Slovakia	4.49 million	83	Oman	3.38 million
64	Azerbaijan	6.34 million	74	Qatar	4.31 million	84	Croatia	3.23 million
65	Myanmar	6.25 million	75	Mongolia	4.31 million	85	Lithuania	3.10 million
66	Jordan	6.22 million	76	Algeria	4.15 million	86	Honduras	3.05 million
67	El Salvador	5.90 million	77	Costa Rica	4.03 million	87	New Zealand	2.93 million
68	Serbia	5.75 million	78	Panama	4.03 million	88	Belarus	2.68 million
69	Bolivia	5.48 million	79	Guatemala	4.03 million	89	Kenya	2.50 million
70	Uruguay	5.38 million	80	Nigeria	3.97 million	90	Bahrain	2.47 million

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
91	Kuwait	2.38 million	101	Afghanistan	1.81 million	111	Estonia	1.24 million
92	Lebanon	2.36 million	102	Rwanda	1.72 million	112	North Macedonia	1.18 million
93	Ethiopia	2.35 million	103	Senegal	1.71 million	113	Palestine	1.08 million
94	Bulgaria	2.26 million	104	Mauritius	1.50 million	114	Cyprus	1.07 million
95	Iraq	2.10 million	105	Latvia	1.48 million	115	Georgia	1.07 million
96	Laos	2.05 million	106	Albania	1.39 million	116	Kyrgyzstan	1.06 million
97	Tajikistan	1.97 million	107	Uganda	1.30 million	117	Guinea	1.06 million
98	Mozambique	1.96 million	108	Cote d'Ivoire	1.29 million	118	Bhutan	1.04 million
99	Slovenia	1.87 million	109	Ghana	1.27 million	119	Libya	1.02 million
100	Angola	1.84 million	110	Moldova	1.25 million	120	Bosnia and Herzegovina	928 126

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
121	Trinidad and Tobago	871 998	131	Zambia	558 307	141	Equatorial Guinea	336 579
122	Malawi	840 736	132	Togo	535 518	142	Gambia	321 385
123	Sudan	829 682	133	Iceland	522 977	143	Suriname	314 963
124	Malta	793 015	134	Jamaica	496 976	144	Yemen	311 483
125	Fiji	778 159	135	Niger	490 549	145	Namibia	305 086
126	Luxembourg	756 276	136	Guyana	455 209	146	Congo	290 287
127	Maldives	676 694	137	Botswana	434 644	147	Somalia	282 522
128	Nicaragua	612 799	138	Cameroon	418 13	148	Brunei	267 132
129	Kosovo	601 701	139	Syria	388 52	149	Cape Verde	262 164
130	Macao	582 592	140	Montenegro	380 803	150	Mali	259 719

Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *	Rank	Country	Doses *
151	Mauritania	254 155	161	Jersey	146 855	171	Central African Rep	95 862
152	Eswatini	239 519	162	New Caledonia	144 974	172	DR Congo	87 91
153	Armenia	239 342	163	Seychelles	143 49	173	Bermuda	84 022
154	Comoros	239 158	164	Gabon	130 798	174	Burkina Faso	71 51
155	Sierra Leone	225 38	165	Bahamas	129 017	175	Djibouti	58 245
156	Tanzania	218 621	166	Samoa	124 96	176	South Sudan	56 989
157	Belize	217 385	167	Benin	117 984	177	Chad	45 39
158	Madagascar	197 001	168	Liberia	113 68	178	Monaco	44 06
159	Barbados	195 008	169	Papua New Guinea	113 052	179	Liechtenstein	42 574
160	Curacao	181 226	170	Lesotho	103 778	World		5.08 billion

 India holds the 2nd rank of vaccination.Already 597.92 million people got vaccinated,other countries ate also running very fast.Right now we know India is using 3 vaccines.

1)Covaxin

2)Covisheild

3)Sputnik V

Approved vaccines are

1)Johnson & Johnson

2)Moderna

3)Zycov-D

Today I will start with Sputnik V

Covaxin and Covishield are Indian originated Vaccines,Covaxin is formulated and manufactured in India,Covisheild is inspired formulated from UK-Oxford(AstraZeneca),but manufactured in India.but Sputnik V is originated from Russia.

SPUTNIK V : Sputnik V, developed by the ‎Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology,Russia.The Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is an adenoviral-based, two-part whole viral vector virus vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Initially produced in Russia, Sputnik V uses a weakened virus to deliver small parts of a pathogen and stimulate an immune response.The Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine reduces the time taken for the actual development of immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.It is a vector vaccine based on adenovirus DNA, in which the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus gene is integrated. Adenovirus is used as a “container” to deliver the coronavirus gene to cells and start synthesizing the new coronavirus's envelope proteins, “introducing” the immune system to a potential enemy.

What is the Sputnik V Vaccine and its mechanism of action?

The Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is based on safe and effective human adenovirus vector platform using two different adenoviral vectors - Adenovirus 26 (Ad26) and Adenovirus 5 (Ad5) as an expression of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene.

The use of two varying serotypes is a unique approach that provide long-lasting immunity and allows to boost the immune response. The carrier viruses are modified and cannot begin a productive infection; they enter cells, express the spike protein, and then stop. High sensitivity recorded that a few adenovirus genes were expressed, although at very low level. 

Eventually, the vaccine-infected cells are destroyed by the very immunity they are designed to evoke. Recombinant adenoviruses (rAD) have been used widely as vaccine vectors due to their quality to accommodate large genetic payloads and, although unable to replicate, they trigger the intuitive immunity sensors sufficiently to make sure a robust immune system in nature.

A heterologous recombinant adenovirus approach is shared with the chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx) vectored COVID-19 vaccine by Oxford/AstraZeneca, Adenovirus 26 (Ad26) vectored COVID-19 vaccine by the Johnson & Johnson, and the Adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vectored COVID-19 vaccine by CanSinoBIO-Beijing Institute of Biotechnology.

Now

Q)1) HOW ADENOVIRAL VECTOR-BASED VACCINES WORK

“Vectors” are vehicles, which can induce a genetic material from another virus into a cell. The gene from adenovirus, which causes the infection, is removed while a gene with the code of a protein from another virus spike is inserted. This inserted element is safe for the body but still helps the immune system to react and produce antibodies, which protect us from the infection.

The technological platform of adenovirus-based vectors makes it easier and faster to create new vaccines through modifying the initial carrier vector with genetic material from new emerging viruses that helps to create new vaccines in relatively short time. Such vaccines provoke a strong response from a human immune system.

Human adenoviruses are considered as some of the easiest to engineer in this way and therefore they have become very popular as vectors.

Q)2) SAFETY AND EFFICACY

After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Russian researchers extracted a fragment of genetic material from novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2, which codes information about the structure of the spike S-protein, which forms the virus’ “crown” and is responsible for connection with human cells. They inserted it into a familiar adenovirus vector for delivery into a human cell creating the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine.

In order to ensure lasting immunity Russian scientists came up with a breakthrough idea to use two different types of adenovirus vectors (rAd26 and rAd5) for the first and second vaccination, boosting the effect of the vaccine.

The use of human adenoviruses as vectors is safe because these viruses, which cause the common cold, are not novel and have been around for thousands of years.

Efficacy of Sputnik V against COVID-19 was reported at 91.6%. The figure is based on the analysis of data on 19,866 volunteers, who received both the first and second doses of the Sputnik V vaccine or placebo at the final control point of 78 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Q)3) EFFICACY AGAINST NEW STRAINS

On 12.07.2021, a study on the efficacy of Sputnik V against new strains of coronavirus was published in the leading international magazine Vaccines by the Gamaleya Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology.

The vaccine produces protective neutralising antibody titres against new strains including Alpha B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), Beta B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa), Gamma P.1 (first identified in Brazil), Delta B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 (first identified in India) and variants B.1.1.141 and B.1.1.317 with mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) identified in Moscow.

The study methodology was based on assessing the viral neutralising activity (VNA) using live virus, which provides the most reliable data and is the accepted standard. The study compared the VNA of human serum after vaccination with Sputnik V on global strain samples with the VNA against the original strain B.1.1.1. Serum was sampled from individuals immunised with both components of Sputnik V.

The data obtained demonstrate that Sputnik V retains its protective properties against new strains. The reduction in viral neutralising activity of Sputnik V against a number of strains was significantly lower compared to data published by manufacturers of other vaccines that earlier confirmed their efficacy against new coronavirus mutations.

Q)4)When will mass production of the Russian vaccine start?

In 2020, mass production of Sputnik V was launched in Russia and abroad. So far, more than 14 countries have announced the vaccine production launch, including India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Argentina, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Belarus, Serbia, Turkey, Vietnam, etc.
Sputnik V has been approved for use in 70 countries with a total population of 4 billion people. The list of countries includes the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. The list is expected to expand. Vaccination with Sputnik V is underway in more than 50 countries on 4 continents, including Argentina, Hungary, Bolivia, Algeria, Montenegro, Paraguay, etc.

Q)5)When will Russia provide full scientific data behind the vaccine?

The vaccine Phase I–II and Phase III clinical trials analysis was published in The Lancet , one of the leading international medical magazines.

Q)6)When will the vaccine be available?
Sputnik V is available for the population of Russia and other countries where the regulatory authority has approved the vaccine application within the national anti-COVID-19 mass vaccination program. Russia has launched Sputnik V serial production at different in-country facilities, primarily for domestic use. Our international partners are currently manufacturing Sputnik V for foreign use. Subscribe to Sputnik V social media feeds to see Sputnik V international production and distribution data.

Q)7)How to obtain/purchase the vaccine?
Sputnik V will be allowed for use by a certain country’s population after being approved by the respective regulatory authority within the national anti-COVID-19 mass vaccination program. Subscribe to Sputnik V social media feeds to see Sputnik V international production and distribution data.

Q)8)What will be the price of Sputnik V vaccine?
Production costs and logistics will be the factors affecting the price for specific countries. In many countries, e. g. Russia, national medical insurance programs will cover the vaccination costs. As we are not aiming at extra high profits from the vaccine sales, the price will be competitive, max $10/dose,Rs 800/dose in India.

Q)9)How to get Sputnik V Vaccine in India?

In April 2021, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has been given approval for restricted emergency use of "The Sputnik V vaccine" in INDIA.

On 14 May 2021 Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine also called as Gam-COVID-Vac, a two combined vector vaccine, has been launched in INDIA by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited (DRL), Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company.

G V Prasad, managing director of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories said - “COVID-19 vaccination is most effective tool to fight against coronavirus, everyone should come forward and take vaccine."

We Pace Hospitals have started administering the Sputnik V Vaccine at our Hitech City Branch located near Hitech City Metro Station, Hyderabad, Telangana, India and at Sarath City Capital Mall, Gachibowli - Miyapur Rd, Whitefields, Hitech City, Kondapur, Hyderabad, Telangana under #LargestVaccineDrive initiative.

Vaccine Centres will provide onsite registration facilities, people can walk-in directly to vaccination centres and get vaccinated or else book Sputnik V Vaccine slot through online CoWin registration in INDIA.

Q)10)Serum Institute of India - the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., world's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally will start manufacturing the Sputnik V Vaccine in India, first batch will start rolling from September 2021. RDIF mentioned, around 30 crore doses will be produced in INDIA per year.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) gave approval to import cell and vector samples from Russia's The Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF said: "Strategic partnership with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Serum Institute of India (SII) will help in scaling up the production with high efficacy and excellent safety profile. Globally, this will help in battling with COVID-19 and saving lives."

Mr. Adar Poonawalla (CEO), SII said "High efficacy and excellent safety profile, the Sputnik V Vaccine is available for the people across the globe and strengthen people to fight against SARS-CoV-2."

Q)11)What are the side effects of Sputnik V Vaccine?

1. A)Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection

1. B)Asthenia (lack of energy / abnormal physical weakness)

1. C)Fatigue (feeling tired)

1. D)Body and muscle pain

1. E)Cough and Sore throat

1. F)Runny nose

1. G)Fever and Chills

1. H)Nausea and Vomiting

1. I)Diarrhea

1. J)Headache

The Sputnik V Vaccine recorded excellent safety results and proven effective against new strains of coronavirus. 100% people showed cellular immune response against the S Protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Usually side effects go away within 24 to 48 hrs, if any side effects persist for longer than 48 hrs contact the vaccination centre or your physician and start medications to overcome side effects.

There was zero evidence of serious adverse events and anaphylactic shock after vaccination. Some people have not showed any side effects, everyone responds differently to the vaccine. It is normal if not having any side effects.

Q)12) How many dose and schedule of Sputnik V Vaccine?

The Sputnik V Vaccine (Gam-COVID-Vac) based on two different extremely safe human adenoviruses as vectors - Adenovirus 26 (Ad26) and Adenovirus 5 (Ad5). Human adenoviruses based medicines have been used widely for more than 50 years.

The Sputnik V - the two-dose schedule vaccine has been administered to the people who are 18 years of age and above. The second dose should be taken after 21 days / 3 weeks gap of the first dose.