Russia directed today, Wednesday, to start a comprehensive vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus for all segments of society starting next week.
President Vladimir Putin stated during a meeting of the Russian government: "I ask for the launch of a comprehensive vaccination campaign for all the people," considering that the Russian vaccine is the best in the world. He demanded that the appropriate infrastructure be ready to increase the production of the vaccine promoted by Moscow. Praising the characteristics of the Russian vaccine "Sputnik V," Putin mentioned that storage and transportation of the vaccine do not require extreme conditions, adding that it is much simpler and more effective.
For her part, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, who is in charge of health issues, confirmed that everything is ready to launch the campaign starting next Monday, stating that more than two million doses will be available by the end of January. Anton Grubka, co-founder of a biotechnology investment company, expressed "great optimism" about Russian production capabilities, noting that it was unclear whether all Russian companies assigned to produce vaccines had managed to establish large production lines. Grubka added: "It's a difficult process, but it is a criterion for trial and error, stabilization, and quality control," mentioning: "It may take weeks to reach full capacity and compliance with international documents because quality is more important than speed."
Russia began its vaccination campaign for prioritized groups, especially medical and educational personnel, and then gradually expanded the categories allowed to receive the Russian vaccine. The vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the first satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957, is reported to be 90% effective, according to its developers.
