Russia To Register Its First COVID-19 Vaccine On 12 August, Announces Deputy Health Minister Oleg Grindev

In a major development, Russian Deputy Health Minister Oleg Grindev announced on Friday (7 August) that Russia will be registering its first vaccine against COVID-19 on 12 August, reports Economic Times.

Developed by Russian Defence Ministry and the Gamaleya Research Institute, the vaccine is presently undergoing the last, that is, the third stage of the trial. Sharing details of the same, Grindev said, "The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe."

The clinical trials of the vaccine had began on 18 June with a total of 38 volunteers, all of whom had developed an immunity. The first group of volunteers was successfully discharged on 15 July, and the second group on 20 July.

Grindev also announced that once the vaccine is out, medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first ones to get vaccinated. Grindev shared crucial development while speaking at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa.