By Doreen Ampofo.
Two Covid-19 vaccines are being tried by researchers at the Navrongo Health Research Centre in the Upper East Region.
The vaccines, Sputnik Light produced by the Gameleya Institute of Epidemiology and microbiology in Russia and the Vat 0008 produced by Sanofi Pasteur SA, will be adopted for use in Ghana when the Clinical trials are successful.
Almost 500 people have already been recruited to participate in the Sputnik Light Trials which started in June 2021.
Head of the Clinical Science Department at the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Dr Nana Akosua Ansah in an interaction with a team of journalists from the Africa Malaria Media Network, AMMREN) said about 1,800 participants are to be recruited for the Vat 0008 Vaccine Trials. Doreen Ampofo reports that the Vat 0008 from Sanofi is a two-dose Vaccine, while the Sputnik Light is a single dose.
In both trials, recruits are either given the actual vaccine, while others receive a Placebo.
Researchers want to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the new vaccines in a typical patient who is likely to use them.
Head of Clinical Science Department at the Navrongo Health Research Center, Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah said participants will be followed for at least one year to monitor their reaction.
Residents in the Kassena Nankana Municipality are participating in the trials.
Dr. Akosua Ansah called for investment in clinical trials to develop scientific research in Ghana.
Trials for the Sputnik Light Vaccines will end in December while that of Vat 008 will end in 2022.
