First batch of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' to be released in 2 weeks

Guwahati: Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has announced that the first batch of the Russian vaccine to combat against COVID-19 is likely to be released within two weeks on Wednesday.

The minister also said that vaccination against coronavirus will be voluntary for everybody, including healthcare workers as well.

Russia is the first country to grant regulatory approval to a coronavirus vaccine.

Notably, the vaccine has been named "Sputnik V" in tribute to the world's first satellite launched by the Soviet Union.

In a press release, Murashko said, "Within two weeks, the first batch of the vaccine will be released. The vaccination will be voluntary anyway. Some of those doctors who already have immunity against the coronavirus, there are around 20 per cent ... think they do not need vaccination, it will be up to them to decide."

The Russian health minister stated while covering Russians' needs is a priority, the vaccine could also be exported abroad.

"The vaccine certainly has some export potential, and we will certainly offer it [to foreign countries], but the domestic market needs are our priority," Murashko added.

Here are recent updates you need to know about Russia's covid vaccine Sputnik V:

Russian business conglomerate Sistema has started mass production of the vaccine at AFK Sistema's Binnopharm pharmaceutical factory.

The Russian official said the covid vaccine, developed by Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, will be administered on a voluntary basis at the end of this month or in early September.

As per reports, Mass roll-out in Russia is expected to start in October.

The vaccine is allowed in two doses and consists of two serotypes of human adenovirus, each carrying an S-antigen of the new coronavirus, which enter human cells and produce an immune response.

The country has said it already received foreign requests for 1 billion doses.

Notably, clinical trials of the Russian vaccine is expected to start soon in the UAE and the Philippines.

It is to be mentioned that more than 100 possible COVID-19 vaccines are being developed across the globe. According to WHO, at least four countries are in final Phase III of human trials.

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