South Africa’s health products regulators have disapproved implementation of the Sputnik V vaccine as it could increase the risk of HIV infection among men. “Use of the Sputnik V vaccine in South Africa, a setting of a high HIV prevalence and incidence, may increase the risk of vaccinated males acquiring HIV,” the South African Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) mentioned in a statement.

It further added that the organization behind the application for the use of Sputnik V in South Africa had no proof that the formula would be safe in settings of high HIV prevalence. However, submission of the safety data to support the application of the Sputnik V vaccine will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Also read: WHO Warns HIV Infection Increases Risk of Severe and critical Covid-19

In Africa, the worst-hit country in this pandemic is South Africa and it also has the world’s highest number of HIV patients. Sputnik V vaccine is being used in 45 countries, but is yet to get WHO approval for emergency use.

SAPHRA said in a statement, “Speculation regarding the association between adenovirus type-5 vectored vaccines and HIV transmission in high-risk groups has been based on small-scale studies”

South Africa is all set to begin a vaccination drive for children of 12 years of age and below this week. They are also offering booster shots for less immunized people.

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