In Moscow, every third teenager participating in the Sputnik M vaccine trial will be paid 15 thousand rubles

In Moscow, participants in the third phase of trials of the Sputnik M adolescent vaccine will be paid 15 thousand rubles each, said sources of RBC in medical institutions where these studies are carried out. But only about a third of the participants will be able to receive compensation, who must comply with a number of conditions.

In total, 3,000 minors will take part in the third phase of the clinical study of the Sputnik M vaccine against COVID-19 for children from 12 to 17 years old.

Before the examination, the teenager is obliged to donate blood. If at the same time they find antibodies in him, he will not be allowed to test the vaccine. If there are no antibodies, the minor is sent for other tests, including urine and blood tests. Finally, he must pass a PCR test. Only if all tests are “normal”, the minor will be invited to the first of the two vaccinations in clinical trials.

An RBC source close to the Ministry of Health called the payment of 15,000 rubles “compensation for inconvenience.” According to him, a similar practice was used during the research of “Sputnik V”. “This includes reimbursement of travel expenses, since a person must additionally come for tests,” the interlocutor explained.

The press service of the Moscow health department explained that only 500 participants who received both doses of the vaccine, as well as donated blood for immunogenicity (the ability of the vaccine to induce immunity), can count on compensation of 15 thousand rubles. Blood is donated on the 1st, 28th, 42nd, 90th and 180th days of research. Also, compensation will be paid to all 600 participants who receive a placebo.

Vaccine “Sputnik M”, developed by the Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. Gamalea, designed to protect adolescents 12-17 years old from COVID-19, was registered at the end of November. Prior to that, she underwent a mixed first and second phase of research, also on the basis of Moscow hospitals. The dosage of the vaccine for adolescents was reduced fivefold compared to Sputnik for adults.