Gap between Sputnik V COVID-19 shots can be up to 180 days: Russia's RDIF

MOSCOW: The gap between the two shots of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine can be extended up to 180 days and it will remain effective, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Friday.

An official at the RDIF, which markets the vaccine abroad, made the comments in a statement after some countries decided to widen the gap between the first and second doses of the vaccine developed in Russia. Kazakhstan has said a longer interval between shots provides a stronger immune response. Argentina has increased the gap to prioritise ensuring that as many people as possible receive at least a single dose.