Russia is the first country in the world to 'launch' the Covid-19 vaccine

Russia's Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: TASS

"As far as I know, this is the first vaccine in the world," President Putin said, affirming that the vaccine works quite effectively, helps protect the immune system, and most importantly, has passed all necessary testing processes.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said clinical trials of the vaccine have ended.

The Russian Covid-19 vaccine is a vaccine developed by the VIGamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense. This is a recombinant vector vaccine, using a weakened virus or bacteria to introduce DNA into human cells.

President Putin said that mass production of the vaccine will begin in the near future, stressing that "this is important".

"I know that work on the development of this vaccine in Russia continues at various facilities. I wish all the specialists success. We must express our gratitude to those who laid the foundation for the vaccine," President Putin said, adding that the launch of the vaccine is very important for Russia and the whole world.

President Putin emphasized that the most urgent thing in the coming time is to ensure the unconditional safety and effectiveness of this vaccine.

The Russian leader also said that his daughter had become one of the first people to receive the vaccine. He hopes to soon vaccinate the entire population against Covid-19.

Several countries have already shown interest in the Russian vaccine.

Highlights of Russia's Covid-19 vaccine:

- The vaccine has shown high efficacy and safety in clinical trials.

- Immunity to the virus can last for 2 years after vaccination.

- Health workers and teachers will be the first to receive the vaccine.

- Vaccination of medical staff could begin in late August or early September.

- The vaccine will be widely available on January 1, 2021.