The first batch of Sputnik V vaccine has been produced for civilian circulation, the Russian Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Quoting the ministry, Tass news agency reported that the supplies of the medication to the Russian regions are expected soon.
“The first batch of the vaccine for preventing the novel coronavirus infection, Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry passed the required quality tests and was produced for civilian circulation,” the ministry said.
“In the near future, the supplies of the first batches of the vaccine to the regions are expected,” the ministry added.
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko earlier explained that civilian production at this stage meant vaccination of citizens from the risk groups, mainly teachers and doctors.
It may be mentioned here that Russia last month registered the Sputnik V, becoming the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine.
On August 15, the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of the vaccine production.