What Is the Sputnik V Vaccine and Is It Effective Against COVID-19?
As the world raced to find protection against COVID-19, several vaccines emerged with remarkable speed. Among them, the Sputnik V vaccine stood out—not only for being one of the earliest registered vaccines but also for sparking global interest due to its unique design and Russian origins.
Developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute in Russia, Sputnik V has now been used in over 70 countries. But what exactly is Sputnik V? How does it work? Is it safe and effective?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, including its mechanism, efficacy, availability, and how it compares with other vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin, Pfizer, and Moderna.
What Is the Sputnik V Vaccine?
Sputnik V (also called Gam-COVID-Vac) is a viral vector vaccine designed to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was officially registered by Russia in August 2020, making it the first vaccine globally to be authorised—though this early approval sparked debate due to limited Phase 3 trial data at the time.
The vaccine uses two different adenoviruses (Ad26 and Ad5) as vectors to deliver the coronavirus spike protein into the body, triggering an immune response without causing illness.
How Does Sputnik V Work?
Sputnik V is administered in two doses:
- First dose: Uses the Ad26 adenovirus vector
- Second dose: Uses the Ad5 adenovirus vector, 21 days later
By using two different viral vectors, the vaccine aims to improve immune response and avoid the body building resistance to the vector itself—an issue with single-vector vaccines.
Once the spike protein is introduced, the immune system recognises it as foreign and starts producing antibodies and T-cells, which later help fight off the real virus if exposed.
Sputnik V Vaccine Efficacy
In a peer-reviewed study published in *The Lancet*, Sputnik V showed a 91.6% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19. This high rate made it comparable to mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
Key Points from Trial Data:
- 91.6% efficacy after two doses
- 100% efficacy against severe cases
- Developed strong antibody and T-cell responses
- Tested in over 20,000 volunteers in Russia, with international trials in UAE, India, Venezuela, and Belarus
Side Effects of Sputnik V
Like most vaccines, Sputnik V has some reported side effects. Most are mild and resolve within 1–2 days.
- Pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills or joint pain (less common)
Severe side effects are rare. No long-term adverse effects have been reported so far in large-scale monitoring.
Sputnik V vs Other Vaccines
| Vaccine | Type | Efficacy | Doses | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sputnik V | Viral Vector (Ad26/Ad5) | 91.6% | 2 | 2–8°C |
| Covishield (AstraZeneca) | Viral Vector (ChAdOx1) | 70–90% | 2 | 2–8°C |
| Covaxin | Inactivated Virus | 78–81% | 2 | 2–8°C |
| Pfizer-BioNTech | mRNA | 95% | 2 | –70°C |
| Moderna | mRNA | 94.5% | 2 | –20°C |
Where Has Sputnik V Been Approved?
As of now, Sputnik V has been approved for use in over 70 countries, including:
- India
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Philippines
- Iran
- Serbia
- Hungary
However, it has not yet received emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although the review process is ongoing.
Sputnik V in India
Sputnik V received emergency use approval in India in April 2021. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) for its distribution and local manufacturing.
The vaccine is administered at approved hospitals and vaccination centres and is priced similarly to Covishield and Covaxin for private hospitals.
Storage and Handling
Sputnik V can be stored at 2–8°C, which makes it easier to distribute than mRNA vaccines requiring ultra-cold storage. This is particularly useful in countries with limited cold chain infrastructure.
Myths and Misconceptions About Sputnik V
- “Sputnik V isn’t safe because it came out too early.”
Although it was approved early, subsequent large-scale trials have shown safety and high efficacy. - “It alters your DNA.”
No, it does not. It delivers instructions to your cells temporarily to produce antibodies, but doesn’t affect DNA. - “It’s not accepted for international travel.”
Some countries do accept Sputnik V, but it depends on bilateral agreements. Always check with your destination’s travel guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Sputnik V safe?
Yes. Clinical trials and real-world data show that Sputnik V is safe with mostly mild side effects like fever, pain, or fatigue.
How long does immunity last after Sputnik V?
Data is still emerging, but immunity has been shown to last for several months, with ongoing research evaluating booster needs.
Is Sputnik V effective against variants?
Initial studies suggest it is effective against several variants, but slightly reduced efficacy has been