UAE approves Russian vaccine Sputnik for emergency use

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has approved the Russian Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, for emergency use.

This marks the third vaccine approved for use in the country, official news agency WAM reported. The UAE officially registered the Sinopharm and Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for use last month.

The #UAE has approved the Russian #COVID19 vaccine #SputnikV for emergency use after demonstrating effectiveness in triggering a strong antibody response against the virus#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/IyljhJDQmK

— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) January 21, 2021

The study results indicated the efficacy of the vaccine in producing a strong antibody response to the virus, its safety and compliance with international standards.

The UAE hosted the third phase of clinical trials of the Sputnik vaccine, which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The trials, which are being conducted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) were initially to be carried out on 500 volunteers.

Read: UAE Phase III trials of Russian Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, begins in Abu Dhabi

The Dubai Health Authority has also confirmed that the first phase of its vaccination campaign, which targets priority categories, could be completed before March-end 2021.

Read: Second phase of Dubai’s Pfizer vaccination campaign might begin earlier than April

Also read: Dubai will end Covid-19 vaccination campaign by December 2021, says taking jab is not compulsoryThis marks the third vaccine approved for use in the country