The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has announced the registration of a two-component vaccine aimed at preventing coronavirus infection in children aged 6 to 11 years. The update highlights the vaccine as a combined vector formulation designed to target SARS-CoV-2.
Official materials describe the vaccine as Gam-COVID-Vak-D, a combined vector vaccine intended to prevent coronavirus infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The naming reflects a family of vaccines developed for pediatric use and aligns with the broader Gamaleya research program that previously produced Sputnik V for adults.
As with many vaccines, certain contraindications are listed. These include hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or to other medicines containing similar components, and a history of severe allergic reactions within the past six years. Such precautions are standard to ensure safety in children with underlying sensitivities or prior reactions to vaccines.
Administration guidelines indicate that vaccination should be postponed if the child is recovering from an acute infectious disease or is in remission from a non-communicable condition. A typical approach recommends completing recovery before proceeding, and spacing doses according to the official schedule, which often ranges from two to four weeks between doses for pediatric vaccines. This staggered timing helps optimize the immune response while monitoring tolerance in young recipients.
There is historical context around the vaccine designation. The vaccine for children aged 6 to 11 years has been referred to as Sputnik D in several communications associated with the program. This naming mirrors the broader branding used in the national vaccination effort and reflects the effort to create an age-appropriate option within the Sputnik family of vaccines.
In early 2023, officials noted that documentation had been submitted to the Ministry of Health for the registration of a COVID-19 vaccine suitable for children in the 6–11 age group. The submission was part of the ongoing process to evaluate pediatric options within the national vaccination strategy, aiming to extend protection to children in this age bracket while adhering to established safety and efficacy standards. Health authorities emphasized rigorous review, including clinical data on safety, immunogenicity, and potential public health impact, before any approval would be granted and vaccine rollout considered.
Overall, the development and potential approval of a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine reflect broader efforts to adapt vaccination programs to younger populations. If authorized, the vaccine would be integrated into national immunization schedules alongside maternal, adolescent, and adult programs, with ongoing post-market surveillance to monitor safety and effectiveness in real-world settings. Health authorities would continue to provide transparent updates, safety communications, and clear dosing guidance to healthcare providers and families, ensuring informed decisions about protecting children against COVID-19 while minimizing risk.