Despite a global shortage of Sputnik V COVID-19 second-dose vaccines, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony yesterday said the government will not suspend its use, as the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has advised that the gap between shots can be up to 180 days with the vaccine still maintaining its efficacy.
However, Anthony noted, while this may be the case, the Government has been using the 90-day gap between shots that the RDIF initially recommended. He added that no one has yet gone beyond the 180-day gap and the authorities are hoping to address the second-dose shortage soon.
The first and second doses of Sputnik V utilise different adenoviruses. While the first dose has been readily available, the second dose has been in short supply in many of the countries using the Russian vaccine.