Health

Sputnik V provides ‘strong’ defense against omicron COVID-19 variant: Developer

Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine provides a strong defense against serious symptoms and hospitalizations caused by the omicron coronavirus variant, the RDIF sovereign wealth fund said on Friday, citing a preliminary study by the vaccine developer.

When used as a booster shot, Russia’s single-dose Sputnik Light helps develop a stronger antibody response against the omicron variant, the study by the Gamaleya Institute developer was cited as saying.

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The preliminary data from Gamaleya showed that the efficacy of Sputnik V with the Sputnik Light booster against Omicron could be more than 80 percent.

RDIF said the preliminary lab study by Gamaleya demonstrated that Sputnik V demonstrates “high virus neutralizing activity” (VNA) against Omicron.

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Russia’s health ministry has recommended booster Sputnik Light shots six months after receiving Sputnik V.

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Health

Europe: Report highlights direct link between pandemic and childhood obesity

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased obesity in school-aged children in Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) office for the region said in a new report issued on Wednesday, sounding the alarm for action.

Health

‘Just in case’ use of antibiotics was rife during COVID-19, says UN health agency

Antibiotics saw “extensive overuse” globally among hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the pandemic without improving clinical outcomes, while also potentially exacerbating the already serious and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

Health

Teen alcohol and nicotine use in Europe is up, WHO urges preventive measures

Substance use is on the rise among teenagers in Europe, Central Asia and Canada and girls now match or even exceed boys when it comes to smoking and drinking, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report on Thursday.