WHO in talks with Russia on Covid-19 vaccine
The World Health Firm (WHO) says discussions are underway with Russia regarding a possible pre-qualification of the world's first COVID-19 vaccine.
"We’re in close connection with the Russian wellness authorities and discussions are underway regarding a practical pre-qualification of the vaccine by WHO," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic advised a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, studies Xinhua.
Jasarevic explained that the pre-qualification of any kind of vaccine involves rigorous assessment and evaluation of all the data necessary for safety and efficacy on medical trials and noted that at the WHO level, this technique would be the same for just about any candidate.
He said each country has national regulatory bodies that approve the application of vaccines or drugs found in its territory. "Manufacturers are asking for WHO pre-qualification since it is a sort of seal of quality," the WHO spokesman explained.
‘First to join up coronavirus vaccine’
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country may be the first on the globe to join up vaccine against COVID-19.
"As much as I understand, this morning for the first time in the world, a good vaccine against the novel coronavirus disease was registered," TASS media agency quoted him as telling.
Putin said one of his daughters had tested the vaccine on herself and that she actually is feeling well.
He said the primary Russian vaccine forms steady cell and antibody immunity.
Putin said he hoped that the mass creation of the vaccine registered in Russia would begin soon and vaccination can be available to everyone found in the country voluntarily.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that she expected the production of the vaccine to get started on towards the end of August or perhaps the start of September and wellness workers could be the first to be vaccinated
Russian vaccine greeted with some alarm
Although announcement was welcome around the world, plenty of scientists in Russia and other countries expressed skepticism over the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.
They said making the vaccine obtainable in a hasty manner can cause a backfire, reports AP.
Some scientists expressed fear as the vaccine is yet to complete stage-3 trial. Besides, the vaccine was studied in only dozens of persons for less than two months.
