The director of the Center, Alexander Gintsburg, representing the Russian Ministry of Health, stated that Russia has developed a new coronavirus vaccine formulation that accounts for the emergence of the delta-omicron strain. This information was reported by Interfax. According to Gintsburg, the Sputnik V vaccine shows reduced effectiveness against the new variant. The appearance of the delta-micron strain also highlights that the virus uses recombination-based paths to vary. Gintsburg added that the delta-omicron form is not guaranteed to replace omicron and is not expected to be more lethal.
“But this demonstrates the virus’s ongoing capacity for change. This variability can lead to the rise of viable variants because the mechanisms of change are diverse”, explained the head of the Center. The remarks underscore the dynamic nature of SARS-CoV-2 and the need for continued vigilance and research to adapt vaccines accordingly.
Earlier reports noted that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he had contracted the coronavirus, emphasizing the broad reach of the disease and the ongoing importance of public health measures and vaccination strategies across different nations.