So far, so good

When Russia licensed its coronavirus vaccine for local use last month, it became the first country to do so and that too before data had been published. Now, a peer review published by medical journal The Lancet claims that early tests have shown signs of an immune response, with every participant developing antibodies to fight the virus without serious side-effects. President Putin’s combative defence of the vaccine having passed all required checks notwithstanding, scepticism persists among experts about Moscow cutting corners and bypassing the standard process for virus development. ‘So far, so good’ and ‘a work in progress’ would suffice for a reaction to the report at this point of time.

The third phase of trials will involve 40,000 volunteers, and until it is completed and the results are made available, making a judgement would be unfeasible. Russia has already received international requests for one billion doses, but countries which have expressed interest, including India, are unlikely to start mass administration until they are assured that it is safe and effective. Sputnik-V is yet to pass the credibility test. According to the World Health Organisation, nine vaccine candidates are in late-stage trials and there is growing confidence that at least one will be successful before long. Putting a definitive date as to when a vaccine can enter the market, however, remains a difficult proposition.

Much larger, long-term randomised trials are required than performed in the case of Sputnik-V for scientists to gauge and declare with finality the effectiveness of a vaccine. Every effort, Russian and those by others, needs to be supported and appreciated. But the pandemic is not a dated commodity. It is here to stay. Tackling it requires a sustained fight; a certified safe-to-use vaccine would mark a big step forward, but what one must not lose sight of is what scientists have been proclaiming all through: mass adoption of a new way of life, with the prescribed precautions being followed as a rule.