Scientists back Brazil's move to ban import of Russian "Sputnik V" COVID vaccine

Washington — Scientists have backed the Brazilian drug regulator's decision to stop the import of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, on the basis that batches they tested carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus. Top virologist Angela Rasmussen told AFP the finding "raises questions about the integrity of the manufacturing processes" and could be a safety issue for people with weaker immune systems if the problem were found to be widespread.

Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, has denied the reports.