Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19, developed by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, will soon be available in many Indian cities.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories announced on Wednesday that the vaccine launched in Hyderabad on May 14 will be coming to
Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Baddi, Miryalaguda and Kolhapur. Dr Reddy’s, in a press release, said the company has plans to add more cities.
However, Sputnik registration is not yet available on CoWIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Work) app.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in a press release said, “This pilot phase has allowed us to test our cold storage arrangements of -18°C temperature in these cities, CoWIN integration, track-and-trace and other logistical arrangements ahead of our commercial launch.”
“Adequate numbers of cold chain units are being deployed, and the last-mile cold chain arrangement is being validated at every partner hospital to ensure seamless storage and handling of the vaccine. All necessary supply arrangements are being executed to ensure the availability of both dose components in the right quantity and at the right time at partner hospitals. Once the pilot phase is completed, Dr Reddy’s will announce the commercial launch of Sputnik V.”
The vaccine is indicated for active immunisation in individuals aged 18 years and above. The vaccine comprises two components I and II, which are not interchangeable and should be administered intramuscularly in two doses of 0.5 ml each with an interval of 21 days.
Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19 has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 92 percent, according to a press release from Gamaleya and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). The confirmation is based on the first interim data from the largest randomised, placebo-controlled Phase-III clinical trials in Russia involving 40,000 volunteers.
Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) gave granted permission for restricted emergency use of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine in April. It is the third vaccine to be available in the country.