Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with regions' heads via a video link amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia April 28, 2020. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS

Covid-19 vaccine: Russia’s health ministry has given regulatory approval for the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, after less than two months of human testing, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday, reported Reuters. The move paves the way for mass inoculation even as the final stages of clinical trials to test safety and efficacy continue.

The speed at which Russia is moving to roll out its vaccine highlights its determination to win the global race for an effective product but has stirred concerns that it may be putting national prestige before science and safety. The country had earlier boasted that it will soon become the first country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine.

As per Reuters, President Putin emphasised that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests, adding that one of his two daughters has received a shot of the vaccine and is feeling well. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Russian authorities have said that medical workers, teachers and other risk groups will be the first to be inoculated.

(With inputs from Reuters)