Russia has become the first country to approve a vaccine against Covid-19, according to its president
Vladimir Putin.
He announced on Tuesday that the inoculation, developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, had been granted regulatory approval after less than two months of human testing.
Final “phase III” clinical trials for the vaccine, where it is given to large numbers of people, are still in process to establish whether it is safe and effective.
But speaking on state television, Putin said the vaccine was safe and hoped the country would soon begin mass producing.
“I know that it works quite effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the needed checks,” he said.
He added it had even been administered to one of his daughters.
The announcement has been hailed in
Moscow as evidence of the country’s scientific prowess, but there are concerns
Russia is prioritising national prestige over science and safety.
China has already approved one Covid-19 vaccine for use in its
MILITARY. It has also won approval to further test the jab in
Canada.
A second vaccine from Russia’s state research centre in Siberia is said to be close behind.
More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world. At least four are in final phase III human trials, according to the WHO.Related... Vaccine Expert Has Grim Prediction Of What
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