Sunday, March 07, 2021

Vaccination in Brazil is broiled in controversies

 Brazil is one of the countries hard-hit by the coronavirus. It has not reached a plateau or, decreasing. This is what it looks like from a Google search,


This certainly does not look good. Brazil, through its well-known Butantan Institute, is conducting a Phase-3 study of the Sinovac vaccine, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/13/chinas-sinovac-vaccine-reportedly-50point4percent-effective-in-brazilian-trial.html.
The study says that the vaccine is 50.4% although earlier it was claimed to have 75% effectiveness. The side effects, if any, were mild and lasted a short time. With 50.4%, it barely meets the threshold for approval. 

Barring this effectiveness number, the Sinovac vaccine is cheaper and can be store in a refrigerator. The Sinovac vaccine is also under trial in Turkey, Indonesia.

This is news on Reuters some 3 days ago regarding the Sinovac use in Brazil. Note that this is the result of a small study.:

There are also reports of misappropriation of vaccines that may carry 12-year imprisonment.

There is a gap between the have and have-nots in Brazil which is perhaps more prominent than in other places. Now, it appears the rich are trying to arrange their own supply of vaccines through private clinics according to this;

Brazil will also be producing its own vaccine.


Brazil is also planning to buy India's locally developed vaccine, Covaxin.  There appear to be some objections from concerned people that the vaccine has not completed the Phase 3 studies. Perhaps they are not aware of the latest results:


The following image is from the above link:






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