Russia officially registered its fourth vaccine against COVID-19, Sputnik Light, state-run RT reported on Friday.
Sputnik Light deploys just the first dose of Russia’s flagship Sputnik V vaccine, which uses a first shot and booster separated by a gap of at least 21 days.
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According to Kommersant citing Russian government sources, the move to approve and deploy Sputnik Light was driven by the fact that the first component of the standard vaccine was produced in significantly larger quantities than the second dose.
Sputnik Light has a 79.4% efficacy rate in a real-world setting in contrast to standard clinical trials.
The single-dose jab is reportedly compatible with standard vaccine storage and logistics requirements.
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Russia is on its way to launch official re-vaccination programme as it attempt to curb a sharp rise in cases and the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.
Sputnik Light will be utilized as a booster shot for Russians who received their first two doses six months ago or more. (RA)
