Exclusive: Russia Prepares For World’s First Approval Of A Covid-19 Vaccine By Mid-August, But Questions Remain

Russia claims that “it’s a Sputnik moment”; however, concerns continue to hover.

Russia is racing to be the first nation in the world to approve a COVID vaccine by mid-August. In just less than two weeks the nation plans on approving its coronavirus vaccine despite lingering concerns regarding its effectiveness and safety, reports suggest.

The Russian vaccine is created by Moscow-based Gamaleya Institute. Officials reported they are targeting August 10 or even earlier for the approval.

“Our scientists focused not on being the first but on protecting people,” said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Even though concerns remain, Russian officials have chalked out plans after approval. The vaccine will be made available for public use; however healthcare workers will be the first ones to get it.

“Americans were surprised when they heard Sputnik’s beeping. It’s the same with this vaccine. Russia will have got there first,” mentioned Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund which is financing Russia’s vaccine project.

Russia has not yet released any scientific data on its vaccine progress. With human testing yet incomplete, Russia’s claim to release the vaccine comes after political pressure from the Kremlin to portray Russia as a global scientific force.

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