Covid-19 Vaccine

Corona-Virus Vaccine

Covid-19 Vaccine

It’s been almost 6 months since the Corona virus pandemic hit us, and since the very beginning of this pandemic every scientist in every country has tried millions of approaches and methods to generate a vaccine against it. When will the vaccine come? Will we have to live like this forever? Are the questions we all have searched answers for.

Everyday there has been a significant increase in the number of confirmed covid-19 cases globally. After so many speculations about the vaccine in the past month, Russia became the first nation to declare a promising vaccine.

Although the people around the world are rejoicing at the news, the experts in the field of virology and immunology are still a little skeptical about the vaccine, and the claims the nation have put forward with it. Here’s all you need to know about the vaccine:

● The vaccine “Sputnik V” would be administered in two shots, 21 days apart. Both shots contain modified adenoviruses, which would ordinarily cause a common cold. Both have been given the gene for the spike protein from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This protein allows the virus to enter human cells. In theory, this should prime the immune system for an encounter with the actual coronavirus.

● The vaccine promises to help develop immunity against the corona-virus for two years. Media reports suggest that the results from the human trials have proven the medication’s effectiveness. 

So why are experts still skeptical about the vaccine? Well, here’s why:- 

● Russia began the first phase trial of “Sputnik V” in the second half of June, the other vaccine candidates such as Europe and USA had already launched their first phase trial by then. While these candidates are still running their final phase trial, Russia, a late entrant to the race, has already produced a vaccine which is working.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease specialist, also questioned the fast-track approach during his testimony to a panel of US lawmakers. “I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccines before they are administering the vaccine to anyone. Because claims of having a vaccine ready to distribute before you do testing is problematic at the very least,” Fauci said

● Many countries are still not sure about Russia’s claim and hence are not showing any interest in it as a buyer, thus raising a lot of questions and doubts about Russia’s breakthrough.

Although, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he has tested this vaccine on his daughter and no harm has been done, it is still not enough proof to believe that the vaccine is working.

● The WHO has clearly mentioned the protocols and guidelines for trials, but it seems like Russia has been neglecting them all along.

They are still yet to release information regarding trials. The Russian vaccine developer, Moscow based Gamaleya Institute, has not released the safety data of the trial phases. This also raises a lot of questions.

With all of these speculations about the vaccine we cannot entirely be sure of its effectiveness, but at the same time we cannot neglect it completely. Let’s just hope and pray the vaccine is safe and effective for the public.

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