Russia Launches First Coronavirus Vaccine; Vladimir Putin's Daughter First To Get A Shot

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he touted as the world’s first coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday. His announcement came as the number of coronavirus infections reached 20 million worldwide.

Russia’s coronavirus vaccine is being developed by Gamaleya Research Institute in partnership with the Russian Defense Ministry. Clinical trials of the vaccine started on June 18 and included 38 participants, all of which eventually developed immunity against the new coronavirus.

The registration of Russia’s coronavirus vaccine is still in the final stages of clinical trials. While scientists have yet to prove that the vaccine is safe and effective for human use, Putin noted that he knew “it works quite effectively” and “forms a stable immunity” against the new coronavirus.

“This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered in Russia,” said Putin. “I know that it works quite effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the needed checks,” he added. The Russian president also asked Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to keep him posted about the progress of the clinical trials and thanked those who have contributed to the development of the vaccine, saying it was “a very important step for the world.”

In a separate statement, Gamaleya National Research Center director Alexander Gintsburg also said there are no concerns that the vaccine could potentially harm a person’s health. “The particles and objects that can reproduce their own kind are the ones that are considered alive,” he said. “The particles in question cannot multiply.”

While tests are still ongoing for the vaccine candidate, one of Putin’s daughters has already received a shot of the vaccine. The production of the shots is also underway.

Putin has ensured that funding for flu and coronavirus vaccination after the vaccines are registered is already in place. Once approved, he said at least 60% of Russians would get vaccinated against the virus.

Previously, the Russian Health Ministry said mass vaccinations could begin by October. Members of risk groups, including medical workers, will be the first to receive the vaccine.