Sputnik starts with a bang, Bahrain data shows 94.3% efficacy

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain trials of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine returned a 94.3 % efficacy fourteen days after the second dose. The data also confirms that 98.6% of those infected 14 days after receiving the second dose of Sputnik V experienced only mild symptoms.

Besides, there were no serious adverse events, deaths or cerebral vein thrombosis cases after vaccination. “This confirms the safety and high efficacy of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine,” said the Russian Direct Investment Fund, who recently sealed a deal with Mumtalakat Holding Company to set up a facility for manufacturing the vaccine for the GCC and MENA region.

94.3% efficacy from 5,000 subjects: RDIF

The Russian Direct Investment Fund said it reached the near 95% efficacy rate from data collected from 5,000 subjects during the Kingdom’s national vaccination campaign between February and early May 2021.

The new data, confirmed by the Ministry of Health, is obtained as per the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, said the Russian sovereign wealth fund.

Confirming the efficacy rate, Faeqa Saeed Al-Saleh, the Minister of Health, said: “Our data has confirmed the high efficacy and safety of Sputnik V during its use in Bahrain.”

“This vaccine is one of the approved vaccines made available free to charge to citizens and residents in the Kingdom. “Sputnik V continues to play an important role in the Kingdom’s ongoing and successful vaccination campaign, with 81% of the eligible population vaccinated so far.”

Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of RDIF, said the high safety of Sputnik V confirms the “data collected in many other countries where it is used to protect the population against coronavirus.” He added: “The Russian vaccine is an important part of Bahrain’s diversified national portfolio.

Use of Sputnik V is making a significant contribution in mitigating the spread of coronavirus, resuming normal life and economic activity.”

The estimated time to get a Sputnik vaccine jab, after registering, according to the Health Ministry, is one day. Bahrain also offers AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs with a waiting period of a day, while those opting for the Sinopharm vaccine will face a waiting period of two days.