In August, Russia declared itself the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine: Sputnik V. High-risk groups have been receiving the Sputnik V jabs – health workers, journalists and teachers. Russia calls it relief for the world. Russia has already clinched international deals for its coronavirus vaccine, although it is still undergoing trials. Alongside China, Russia has been deploying the shots before full efficacy trials are complete. Belarus was the first foreign country to receive batches of the vaccine last week. 2,000 Venezuelans will try it out, including a member of the Presidential family. India is also interested in testing it. The results are promising. But the vaccine has been met with skepticism abroad. Scientists are concerned the vaccine is not yet ready for widespread use, but the Kremlin is gearing up for a mass rollout by year’s end.
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine: What the experts say | COVID-19 Special
