MOSCOW, Sept 12, 2020 (BSS/TASS) – The first pilot batch of the Sputnik V
vaccine against the novel coronavirus for risk groups has been shipped to the
regions of Russia, a spokesperson at the Healthcare Ministry told reporters.
“The first batch of Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine, developed by the the
Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the
Russian Healthcare Ministry, has been shipped to the regions. As part of the
pilot delivery, the logistics chains for delivering the vaccine to the
constituent entities of the Russian Federation, distribution and organization
of vaccination against COVID-19 of citizens from the high-risk group will be
ensured,” the ministry’s spokesperson said.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine
against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was
developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed clinical trials
in June-July.
It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines. The
Healthcare Ministry noted that the experience of use of similar preparations
shows that they are capable of providing a lengthy immunity of up to two
years.
On Wednesday, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that
Phase Three of clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine against the novel
coronavirus started in Russia.