Coronavirus

Facing shortages, Brazil could turn to Russian vaccine

Bolsonaro dismissed the Sputnik V vaccine, but it could become a viable option for the Brazilian immunization as existing stocks run low

Facing shortages, Brazil could turn to Russian Sputnik V vaccine
Photo: Vovidzha/Shutterstock

Brazil enjoyed a rare glimmer of hope last weekend, as the first coronavirus vaccinations were administered in the country. However, government officials have warned that immunization may face a 30-to-40-day stoppage, due to a lack of vaccine stocks. Indeed, Brazil is a long way away from being able to offer inoculation to its 211 million inhabitants. It is in this scenario of slim pickings that the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine has emerged as a potential option for immunizing the Brazilian population.

Constantly dismissed by the government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Sputnik V is gradually becoming a suitable candidate, but lacks regulatory approval.

As of now, the only coronavirus vaccine Brazil has access to is the Chinese-made CoronaVac, manufactured by the Butantan Biological Institute in São Paulo, in partnership with pharmaceutical firm Sinovac in China.

CoronaVac began distribution in Brazil on Monday, after health regulators Anvisa approved an emergency use request for 6 million ready-to-use doses. Another emergency request is currently pending, for another 4.8 million shots.

The Butantan Biological Institute is expected to receive a total of 46 million doses by April, which would be enough to vaccinate the high-priority group in...

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