Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin says a coronavirus vaccine developed in the country has been registered for use and one of its daughters has already been inoculated. Speaking at a government meeting on Tuesday on state television, Putin stressed that the vaccine has proven effective during tests and offers a lasting immunity against the coronavirus.
“I know it works fairly effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the necessary checks,” the Reuters bureau quotes him as saying.
He said one of his two daughters got a shot from the vaccine and that he was feeling well. “In that sense, she took part in the experiment,” he observed.
Putin acknowledged that it was important to start mass production of the vaccine as soon as possible
Russian authorities have said medical staff, teachers and other risk groups are the first to be inoculated.
Russia is the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine.
Many scientists there and abroad are skeptical, however, recommending the decision on registration before Phase 3 trials which normally take months and involve thousands of people.
Russia’s rapid pace “marks its determination to win the global race” for a facsimile, but “has raised concerns that it may put national prestige ahead of science and security,” Reuters said.
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Institute of Moscow after less than two months of human testing, reports Reuters.
Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Direct Investment Fund involved in the development, defended Russia’s vaccine, saying it was based on years of research into the Ebola and MERS vaccines.
“No corners have been cut,” Dmitriev told reporters Tuesday, according to CBS News’ Alexandra Odynova. “Russian science is more advanced in this (area) than many other peoples,” he said.
Dmitriev said he and his family members participated in the trials and were vaccinated. He said they did not have any significant side effects.
Dmitriev revealed that Moscow had named the coronavirus vaccine “Sputnik V” after the Soviet satellite.
He said phase 3 trials would begin Wednesday, expecting industrial output to begin in September and that 20 nations had ordered more than 1 billion doses in advance.
Spokesman with reporters last week warned World Health Organization spokesman Christian Lindmeier that faxes must go through all stages of testing before they can be licensed.
The Association of Clinical Trials Organizations has also expressed concern that Russia’s ambition to allow civilian use of a coronavirus vaccine before completing clinical trials could put people at risk.
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