Russia plans to start the first mass vaccinations against the corona virus at the end of next week. For this purpose, two million doses of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V should be used, Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin said today at an online conference according to the state agency TASS. “This gives us the opportunity to start with large-scale vaccinations. That is enough for one million people, because two vaccinations are necessary in each case.
Sputnik V had been released in mid-August as the world’s first vaccine for broad application in the population, despite concerns expressed by international researchers. The release took place before the important test phase III, in which effectiveness and side effects are tested on many volunteers. This test series has been running for a good three and a half months. Countries outside Russia, such as Belarus and Venezuela, are also participating in this trial.
“First Step”
Putin said on the occasion of the opening of new medical centers of the Ministry of Defense that the producers of the active substance and the medical facilities are ready for the vaccinations. “Let us take this first step.” Russia has already registered a second vaccine, a third one is under development.
The largest country in the world in terms of area, with a population of around 345 million, has been struggling for months with a dramatic increase in new infections. According to official statistics, 25,345 new cases have recently been added. The authorities also reported a new daily high of 589 deaths. As a result, more than 41,000 people have died in connection with the coronavirus so far.
hp, source: ORF.at/agencies. picture: pixabay.com
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