Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recognised Russian Vaccine Sputnik V to travel to Australia. International students, workers, sports and businesspersons who have double-dosed with Sputnik V can now enter Australia. However, it has not recognised the single-dose course of the Gamelaya vaccine ‘’Sputnik light.’’
Last week, TGA provided information regarding the two-dose course. It provides protection and reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus. TGA said in a statement,
‘’ The recognition of Sputnik will expand options for the return of international students, travel of skilled and unskilled workers to Australia, and travel by business people and elite sportspeople to our country.’’
Moreover, the data shows the doses of the Vaccine have an average efficacy against systematic infection of 89 per cent. Additionally, it has 90-100 per cent efficacy against hospitalization or death. Earlier, TGA has recognised Chines manufactured vaccines – BBIBP-CorV and Coronavac (Sinovac) and two Indian manufactured vaccines- Covishield and Covaxin.
Sputnik V Vaccine approval in other countries
The Russian Vaccine Sputnik is currently approved in more than 70 countries. India, United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka that means the people from these nations can also travel to Australia.
Alexey Goncharov, executive secretary of Australia Russian Dialogue is hopeful that this decision will make it easier for Russians to travel to Australia. He said, ‘’ This is not only great news for people who have been in a separated family situation but also for people who would like to come to Australia from Russia for business.’’ He further added that it’s great news for students as well. Many steps have been taken by several organisations for Russian students to study in Australia. This will indeed be great news for them.’’
While approving Sputnik, TGA said, ‘’ Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness of a range of vaccines against Omicron is currently underway in many countries.’’
COVID-19 vaccines presently approved for use in Australia include the Johnson & Johnson vaccines, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna.
