A pediatric vaccine trial for the Sputnik M coronavirus infection has begun at First Moscow State Medical University named after IM Sechenov, part of the Russian Ministry of Health framework. The university press service provided the update through TASS.
According to the university, the Gam-Covid-Vac M vaccine has been updated to extend protection against circulating HBV strains and to address evolving variants.
The study aims to assess the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of the vector-based vaccine in a population of adolescents. A clinical team at the Clinical Institute of Child Health noted that a cohort of 50 participants aged 12 to 17 has been assembled to participate in the trial. The investigators include NF Filatova and RAS Corresponding Member Ekaterina Alekseeva.
Children and teens enrolled in the trial meet predefined health criteria to ensure suitability. The Omicron-adapted version of Gam-Covid-Vac M will be given in two doses spaced 21 days apart. Following vaccination, participants will be monitored by medical staff for 24 hours and will continue to be observed through a 180-day follow-up period as part of the study protocol. Sechenov University emphasized that the full observation window will provide data on both immediate and longer-term safety and immune response.
Initial results from the trial are expected on the 28th day after the first injection.
In other health developments, Russia reported its first cases of a recent flu variant on November 4, illustrating the ongoing importance of respiratory disease monitoring in the region.
Earlier statements from practitioners have challenged the notion that asthma in children increases the risk of severe Covid-19, noting no consistent causal link between the conditions. Reports in the medical community continue to emphasize that vigilance and evidence-based assessment remain essential in pediatric care amidst circulating misinformation.