Sputnik V
The vaccine, officially named “Gam-COVID-Vak,” was developed by the N.F. Gamaleya Research Center and has already been registered in more than 50 countries worldwide. It is expected to be approved by the European Union in the near future.
This is a genetically engineered vaccine based on two strains of live human adenoviruses (a common virus that causes the common cold), which act as vectors.
The vectors deliver the genetic material of the spike protein into the cell. The cells synthesize the S protein, and immunity is formed in response. Vaccination is administered in two doses, 21 days apart.
The vaccine’s immunological efficacy is 92%. It has already been proven that immunity lasts for 9 months, but it is expected to last for 2 years in reality.
Side effects: Within 1–2 days, there may be a fever (up to 38–39 °C), muscle and joint pain, headache, general weakness, sudden chills, loss of appetite, and pain at the injection site.
Recommended for: Ages 18–60+.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccination is prohibited in the presence of acute infectious diseases or chronic diseases in the acute phase. Vaccination is also contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the components of the vaccine. Contraindications include liver or kidney failure, severe endocrine system dysfunction, hematopoietic system failure, stroke, epilepsy, and other diseases associated with central nervous system dysfunction, as well as vascular and cardiac problems, and secondary and primary immunodeficiencies.
The vaccine should be administered with caution in cases of asthma, lung problems, eczema, diabetes, or allergies.
If severe complications arise after the first dose of the vaccine, the second dose must not be administered.
Currently, the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology has developed and registered a simplified version of “Sputnik V”—“Sputnik Light.” “Sputnik Light” is the first component of “Sputnik V.” The vaccine works the same way as “Sputnik V,” but it is administered as a single dose. Immunity begins to develop one week after vaccination, and the maximum number of antibodies will be reached after one month.
The vaccine’s duration of effectiveness is 4–6 months.
EpiVacCorona
A vaccine developed by the Novosibirsk Center for Virology and Biotechnology “Vector.” Registered in Russia and Turkmenistan. It is based on synthetic peptides (short segments of viral protein) and is a protein-based preparation in which the coronavirus “spike” is artificially synthesized but is identical to the real one.
It does not contain a biological viral vector, so it does not cause allergic reactions. After vaccination, the body learns to recognize and destroy the virus. Vaccination is administered in two doses, 2–3 weeks apart.
Immunological efficacy (according to official data) is 100%. Immune protection lasts for 1 year. However, some trial participants have expressed doubts about the drug’s efficacy, as antibodies did not develop in everyone. It should also be noted that not all laboratories will detect the presence of antibodies after vaccination with “EpiVacCorona,” as a special test system is required for the immunoenzymatic detection of class G immunoglobulins against the “SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Vector” coronavirus proteins. This is a highly sensitive test system developed specifically for “EpiVacCorona.”
Side effects: pain at the injection site; in rare cases, a fever may occur.
Recommended for: individuals aged 18–60+. In February 2021, “Vector” completed trials in elderly people, and the vaccine demonstrated high safety and immunogenicity.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccination is contraindicated in cases of severe allergic diseases and sensitivity to the components; in the presence of acute infectious and non-infectious diseases; in the presence of chronic diseases in the acute stage, as well as primary immunodeficiency; in cases of malignant blood diseases and neoplasms, and severe complications following the administration of the first dose.
Covivac
The vaccine developed by the M.P. Chumakov Center is a classic whole-virion inactivated vaccine based on the inactivated (“killed”) SARS-CoV-2 virus. While the other two vaccines are considered high-tech and innovative, the technology behind this vaccine is classic, well-studied, and time-tested. The M.P. Chumakov Center has been producing similar vaccines for over 60 years. The new vaccine was developed using an existing platform for inactivated vaccines. It is administered in two doses, two weeks apart.
When this vaccine is administered, immunity is formed thanks to the “dead” virus. Such a virus cannot replicate or infect cells. The human immune system is not overstimulated and independently selects the antigenic components it needs from the “killed” viruses. Immunological efficacy: 90%.
Side effects: The “CoviVac” vaccine is a “mild” preparation; it has almost no side effects. Mild pain at the injection site is possible. A few trial participants experienced headaches and a slight fever.
Recommended: This vaccine can be used by people with chronic diseases and those with immunosuppressive or immunodepressive conditions.
Contraindicated: for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with severe allergic reactions, as well as those who have previously experienced severe post-vaccination complications from vaccinations.
In summary, it is worth noting that among Russian coronavirus vaccines, “Sputnik V” is the most effective but also the most reactogenic. “EpiVacCorona” and “CoviVac” have a much milder effect on the body, which means people with health issues should consider them first. Another important point is that any vaccine weakens the immune system, which means that maximum precautions should be taken between the first and second doses. The risk of contracting the coronavirus between vaccinations increases significantly.
