News24
13 Jan 2021, 19:10 GMT+10
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday tasked officials with launching mass coronavirus vaccinations from next week, touting Russia's homemade jab as the world's best.
"I ask you to begin the mass vaccination of the entire population next week," Putin told officials at a televised government meeting.
"The Russian vaccine is the best in the world," he said.
Russia in August registered Sputnik V - named after the Soviet-era satellite - months ahead of Western competitors and before the start of large-scale clinical trials.
READ HERE | Putin, Merkel discuss possible joint vaccine production
"Thank God our vaccine does not require extreme conditions during transportation," Putin said.
"This is much simpler and more effective," he added, referring to Western-made jabs.
Putin said Russia should "get relevant infrastructure ready" to boost production of the vaccine, which Moscow is promoting to other countries as cheaper and easier to transport than others jabs.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova told Putin during the meeting that Russia was ready to launch the mass vaccination from Monday.
READ | Covid-19: Approval of Russian, Chinese vaccines in SA 'unlikely', say top experts
Russia began vaccinations with Sputnik in early December even though it was still in its third phase of clinical trials.
The country has in recent months been battered by a second wave of coronavirus infections but the Kremlin has held back from introducing sweeping restrictions like in the beginning of the pandemic.
Get a daily dose of China National News news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to China National News.
More InformationSHANGHAI, China: As global demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, China's BYD is looking to double its overseas sales to over...
ANDOVER, Massachusetts: As artificial intelligence drives up energy demand across the United States, Schneider Electric is making a...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. consumer confidence continued to drop in 2025, hitting its lowest level in 12 years as more Americans worry...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Alphabet's self-driving division Waymo is preparing to expand its driverless ride-hailing footprint to the heart...
BENGALURU, India: A major regulatory breakthrough in India could mark a turning point for Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet...
NEW YORK, New York - Renewed fears about inflation, and U.S. Donald Trump's trade policies say American markets take a deep dive Friday....
TOKYO, Japan: This week, Japan's cherry blossom season officially began as experts confirmed the first blooms in Tokyo. A specialist...
BEIJING, China: As global tech firms navigate rising geopolitical tensions, China has extended a warm signal to Apple, one of its most...
WASHINGTON, D.C.:/SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group is set to dramatically expand its U.S. footprint, with a US$20 billion investment that...
Preparing for a conflict over Taiwan should be prioritized over any other potential threats, a document signed by Peter Hegseth reportedly...
Preparing for a conflict over Taiwan should be prioritized over any other potential threats, a document signed by Peter Hegseth reportedly...
Tonga Islands, March 30 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 on Richter Scale jolted Tonga Islands on Sunday, with this being a second...