Are there any side effects of the Sputnik V vaccine?

Milliyet Newspaper – May 18, 2021

There are many questions in mind about the Sputnik Va vaccine, one of the coronavirus vaccines that will be made in our country soon. People with allergies, in particular, wonder if they can develop an allergic reaction to this vaccine. Allergy and Asthma Society Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay gave information about the allergy risk and side effects of the Sputnik V vaccine.

What is the Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine?

Sputnik V vaccine, approved by the FDA after the completion of phase 3 studies, is a viral vector vaccine. Sputnik V is in the same group as Johnson&Johnson and Oxford – AstraZeneca vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is a vector vaccine based on adenovirus DNA in which the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus gene is integrated. It is administered separately intramuscularly at 21-day intervals. The results showed that the vaccine was well tolerated and highly immunogenic in healthy participants.

How does the Sputnik V vaccine work?

Adenovirus is used as a virus vector, and a DNA fragment is inserted into this virus to synthesize the coronavirus spike protein and injected into the body. This piece of DNA synthesizes the immune-providing protein of the corona virus in our body and immunity develops. This vaccine does not integrate into a person’s DNA and does not cause disease. Therefore, it is a safe vaccine.

How is the Sputnik V vaccine different from other vector vaccines?

Two different serotypes of adenovirus were used in the Sputnik V vaccine. A single type of adenovirus was used as vector in the Oxford – AstraZeneca vaccine and Johnson&Johnson vaccines.

What is the efficacy rate of the Sputnik V vaccine?

Sputnik V is a two-part adenovirus viral vector vaccine with an efficacy rate of 91.6%. According to the latest information given, the efficacy rate of the vaccine is 97.6%. It has been reported that the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine against severe corona virus is 100%.

It has been reported to be an effective vaccine in terms of both antibody formation and cellular immunity. Adenoviral vector-delivered antigens are reported to adequately maintain the body’s immunity even after a single vaccination. It is reported that with the application of two doses, it will develop much more effective and long-lasting immunity.

Is it more effective than other vector vaccines?

Two different types of adenovirus vectors were used in the Sputnik V vaccine. As a result of the development of antibodies against adenovirus in the first dose, it is a much more effective vaccine as it eliminates the possibility of decreasing the effectiveness of the developing second dose when the second dose is administered.

What are the side effects of the Sputnik V vaccine?

Common side effects were influenza-like illness (15.2%) and reaction at the vaccination site (5.4%). While 94% of the side effects were mild, 0.3% of them were serious.

Pain, swelling and redness may occur at the injection site. Apart from this, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea may occur. These side effects usually begin within a day or two of getting the vaccine.

Side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but should pass within a few days. Serious side effects are extremely rare. As with every vaccine, it will be useful to wait 30 minutes in the hospital environment after this vaccine.

Does the Sputnik V vaccine have an allergy risk?

There were no reported cases of allergies in the Phase 3 studies of the Sputnik V vaccine. Allergic reactions such as urticaria have been reported with other vector vaccines. Therefore, an allergic reaction such as urticaria may occur. Those who are allergic to one of the ingredients in the vaccine should not get this vaccine. Although the risk of allergy is low since this vaccine is a newly approved vaccine, it is important that you stay in the hospital environment for 30 minutes after the vaccine and that precautions are taken against the risk of allergy.

Can people with allergies get the Sputnik V vaccine?

Those with allergic asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis and other allergic diseases can have Sputnik V, BioNTech and the Chinese vaccine Coronavac vaccines. It would be beneficial for only those with allergic diseases to have their vaccinations in the hospital environment and to wait under observation for 30 minutes after vaccination.

What should be done if the vaccine has side effects?

If pain, swelling or redness occurs in the area where the vaccine was administered; First of all, it would be appropriate to raise your vaccinated arm. You can apply a towel moistened with cold water instead of the vaccine. Do not apply ice directly. You can use painkillers containing paracetamol. If there is fatigue; It will be helpful to rest and drink enough fluids. Mild fever and chills; It is recommended that you rest, drink enough fluids and take painkillers containing paracetamol. Headache; If a headache develops within a week after vaccination, it will be beneficial to take painkillers containing paracetamol. Muscle and joint pain; If muscle and joint pain occurs within a week after vaccination, it will be sufficient to rest, drink enough fluids and take painkillers containing paracetamol. vomiting and diarrhea; If vomiting and diarrhea develop within a week after the vaccination, it will be beneficial to take liquid and food by mouth. If children cannot get enough fluid and weakness develops, the necessity of serum supplementation should be evaluated in the health institution.