Russia might be another step closer to developing the coveted Coronavirus vaccine, which means, we might finally get to hit the roads again! Here’s what we know about this latest medical progress. By Bayar Jain
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As per the Russian news agency, TASS, Sechenov University in Moscow, the first stage of clinical trials of the Coronavirus vaccine has proved effective. As per the report, the first stage of research started on June 18 during which 18 volunteers were vaccinated. The second group of 20 volunteers were vaccinated on June 23. As per a tweet by the Russian embassy in India, the volunteers are slated to be discharged on July 15 and July 20, respectively.
In another report by Tass, Anna Popova, chief of the Russian sanitary watchdog is quoted as saying that further clinical trials would begin on July 15.
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However, it is important to note this is only phase one of the COVID-19 vaccine. Although reports suggest that this vaccine proved effective on those who participated – with no visible signs of discomforts or side effects – its efficacy is yet to be tested on a larger group of people. As per The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a typical vaccine requires a three-stepped process: one, to check the vaccine’s tolerability on a small group of people; two, to ascertain whether the vaccine triggers the desired immune response in more groups of people and what is the dosage required for the same; and three, testing on thousands of people to validate whether the vaccine is effective in fighting the virus in real-life situations. The next step, as per the same reports, is to make the vaccine available to the masses, after several regulatory and administrative approvals.
Notably, a report by the Times of India states that India, too, has begun human trials of a COVID-19 vaccine. Named Covaxine, this vaccine is reportedly being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Related: Major Breakthrough: Indian Scientist One Step Closer To Creating Coronavirus Vaccine
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppies and kittens.
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