Australia to recognize Russia's Sputnik vaccine for travelers

PanARMENIAN.Net - The two-dose Russian Sputnik V vaccine will now be recognized in Australia for the purpose of travelers entering the country, SBS reports.

Australia requires non-citizens entering the country to be fully vaccinated, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration on Monday, January 17 said it has received more information about the Russian vaccine's efficacy.

"The TGA obtained additional information demonstrating this vaccine provides protection and potentially reduces the likelihood that an incoming traveler would transmit Covid-19 infection to others while in Australia or become acutely unwell due to Covid-19," it said in a statement.

"The recognition of Sputnik will expand options for the return of international students, travel of skilled and unskilled workers to Australia, and travel by business people and elite sports people to our country."

Data from the Russian government indicated two doses of Sputnik V provides 98 to 100 per cent protection against hospitalisation or death and was an average of 89 per cent effective against symptomatic infection.