Sputnik V distribution limited by strict storage needs

The Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will not be distributed to all local government units (LGUs) due to its strict storage requirements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA Director General Eric Domingo explained that the Russian vaccine needs to be stored in specialized freezers at extremely low temperatures, specifically minus 18 degrees centigrade.

This necessitates that Sputnik V will likely be distributed to major city centers or areas with hospitals equipped with the necessary cold chain management facilities.

Domingo clarified that Sputnik V will not be as widely distributed as the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines, requiring more careful selection of deployment locations.

Health authorities will conduct another simulation upon the arrival of the Russian-made vaccines to ensure familiarity with the stringent cold chain management requirements.