Virologist Altstein spoke about the “soft” vaccine that Russian President Putin will test 
Intranasal vaccine against COVID-19, in which he agreed Russian President Vladimir Putin is practically no different from intramuscular to take part, said virologist Anatoly Altstein, Channel Five reports.
As the specialist said, this is the same vaccine, but it is important for scientists to test its ability to induce immunity. Altshtein noted that during the checks, the drug turned out to be softer than when administered intramuscularly. It induces immunity well.
“A very important difference is that with such intranasal administration, those parts of the immune system that are responsible for the production of immunoglobulin A are involved,” he stressed. The latter protects the mucous membranes and closes the “gate of infection” to the body.
Altstein assessed the danger of Putin's participation in the tests. “Many citizens have already been vaccinated like this. There are fewer side effects. It is less dangerous than intramuscular injection, “he said.
According to the virologist, the participation of the head of state in the trials will increase the popularity of the drug among the population and arouse Russians' confidence in the vaccine. The virologist clarified that the best effect is achieved with a combination of intranasal and intramuscular vaccines, but such tests have not yet been conducted.
On Sunday, November 21, the Russian leader announced that he was ready to take part in trials of a nasal vaccine against coronavirus. Prior to that, he was revaccinated with Sputnik Light.