The first batch of the vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus “Gam-Covid-Vak” (“Sputnik V”) was released into civilian circulation, the supply of the drug to the Russian regions is expected in the near future, the press service of the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday, September 7.
The department added that the first batch of vaccine passed all the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor.
At this stage, civil circulation means the vaccination of the population from risk groups, in particular, doctors and teachers. It will take place in parallel with post-marketing clinical trials.
On September 7, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that vaccination against coronavirus of the first volunteers as part of post-registration studies will begin this week. According to the minister, the supplies will be small for now, because “all interests must be respected.”
The world’s first coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, was registered on August 11. Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that the coronavirus vaccine, developed by specialists from the Gamaleya Center, was registered in accordance with Russian laws and world practice.