Moscow: Russia has started production of ‘Sputnik V’, the world’s first registered COVID-19 vaccine, the Russian media reported citing the Health Ministry of that country.
Russia’s health regulator registered the vaccine after it passed Phase II trials in June and July. It was decided that completing a Phase III trial was not necessary for the initial roll-out because it is based on an already proven platform, according to RT News.
Sputnik V won’t go into general circulation until January 2021, allowing another four to five months in which to further observe its effectiveness, the report added.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko had earlier announced that the medical workers and teachers would be the first to get the vaccine.