The scientists write that another large, long-term study with placebos is needed, and further follow-up to assess the long-term effects and safety of the vaccine. So a so-called phase 3 study, and it would include 40,000 volunteers from various age and risk groups. According to Kirill Dimitriev, head of a Russian investment fund that is funding the research, 3,000 volunteers have already been recruited.
So cautiously positive reactions from the researchers, but still bold statements were heard yesterday. For example, Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya research center, told reporters that the vaccine “triggers an immune response large enough to ward off any amount of coronavirus.” And: “We dare to say that the protective effect will be visible for two years, maybe even longer”, without providing evidence for that statement.
Health Minister Mikhail Muraskho said Russia would start vaccinating from November or December, with a focus on risk groups.
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