India gets third Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V joins Covaxin & Covishield

Russia's Sputnik V on Monday became the third vaccine against Covid-19 to receive emergency use approval in India. The vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute (GRI) of Russia, and funded and promoted outside by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

In India, the RDIF's partner is Dr Reddy's Laboratories, which conducted clinical trials - mandatory for approval of a vaccine. Sputnik-V was also the first vaccine to be announced last year for protection against Covid-19.

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Named after the first Soviet space satellite, Sputnik V, showed better efficacy during trials compared to the vaccines already in use in India. Both Covishield and Covaxin have shown an efficacy of around 81% in trials, while Sputnik V returned with 91-92% efficacy.

Roll out of Sputnik is likely to begin end of April or early May, initially demand will be met by imports, domestic manufacturing will be boosted gradually. Vaccine can be given to people over 18 years of age. The RDIF is working on the pricing of the vaccine with the govt.

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