Russia approves world’s first coronavirus vaccine, Putin announces

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that the country has registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine early Tuesday.

Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute has successfully registered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine for use. He also said that his daughter is among those who have tested the medicine.

He also said that Russia’s Health Ministry has given regulatory approval for the vaccine after less than two months of human testing.

He said during a televised video conference call with government ministers, “This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered” in Russia.

He also assured that the vaccine has proven effective during the tests and will provide  “sustainable immunity” against the coronavirus.

“I would like to repeat that it has passed all the necessary tests,” Putin said. “The most important thing is to ensure full safety of using the vaccine and its efficiency.”

Moreover, Mr. Putin also said that the vaccine has been given to one of his daughters and she is feeling well. 

“One of my daughters got vaccinated, so in this sense, she took part in the testing.”

He explained that his daughter faced a slight fever 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) after she was vaccinated. However, the temperature came down to just a little above normal the next day.

“After the second shot, she had a slight fever again, and then everything was fine. She is feeling well and has a high antibody count”.

Russian health authorities said that the vaccine will be given first to medical workers, teachers, and other risk groups. The large-scale production will begin in September, while the mass vaccination will be started as early as October. 

Scientists in Russia have and abroad have commented to Moscow’s decision to register the vaccine ahead of phase 3 trials that takes months and involve thousands of people. However, Mr. Putin assured that it underwent the essential trials and the vaccination will b voluntary.