Delivery of 50K Sputnik V doses deferred: NTF

MANILA – The delivery of the 50,000 doses of Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines, supposed to be this month, is moved to a later date, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced Wednesday.

Galvez said the NTF Vaccine Cluster received a formal letter from the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on June 20, informing the government that the delivery of Sputnik V Component II would be moved to another date, as there is an ongoing jab upgrading.

“RDIF has committed to updating the Philippine Government on the definite date of delivery of the vaccines,” he said in a statement.

Galvez noted that the 50,000 doses are dedicated to those who received the Component I earlier this month.

“We have already informed all local government units who have administered the first dose of Sputnik V to their constituents that the schedule for the second shot will likewise be pushed back and will be rescheduled,” he said.

He, however, assured that the “unforeseen delay in the delivery will not in any way compromise the efficacy of the vaccines.”

Galvez said the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) recommends that “persons aged 18 years and older may receive two vaccine doses at least 21 days apart.”

According to the Gamaleya Research Institute’s world data, Sputnik V jab has an efficacy rate of 79.4 percent on the 28th day, following the administration of Component I.

The same level of protection is guaranteed if the second shot is taken later than scheduled.

“Please understand that the same principle is currently being applied for those who have missed their second dose due to illness and other medical conditions. In any case, we would like to stress once again that it is imperative to take both doses of the vaccines against Covid-19,” Galvez said

The Sputnik V is a viral vector type of vaccine, the same technology used by other vaccine brands requiring longer interval periods between two shots.

Galvez said Gamaleya Institute, through the RDIF, told the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it targets to “amend the interval period between the two doses of Sputnik V from the minimum 21 days to 90 days.”

The FDA is likewise studying the proposal along with the supporting report submitted by the Gamaleya Research Institute, he added, “so that it can determine and recommend the appropriate interval period.”

“We seek your kind understanding that this development is beyond the control of the Philippine government. The manufacturer is seeking more ways to improve and upgrade the vaccine that would be more beneficial and would be more effective in battling the emergence of new variants,” Galvez said.

“We will update the general public on the next delivery of Sputnik V vaccines as soon as the definite delivery dates have already been confirmed by the manufacturer,” he added.

The latest delivery was the 100,000 doses on June 11, bringing to 180,000 doses the total number of Sputnik V vaccines in the country.