Production of Russian COVID-19 Vaccine May Begin before the End of the Year

The production of a coronavirus vaccine may begin in Russia before the end of the year, Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Chairperson Valentina Matviyenko said at Thursday’s press conference wrapping up the parliament’s spring session.

“Russians will have the opportunity to get vaccinated before the end of the year,” she pointed out. “We definitely are the first country to announce clinically-tested vaccines, which is a very important thing,” Matviyenko added.

She pointed out that Russia was ready to cooperate with other countries. “If we start production, we will definitely share [the vaccine] with other countries,” the Russian senate speaker noted. “Some tried to accuse us of meddling and carrying out cyber attacks to steal vaccines from others. We don’t need to steal anything because our own potential is strong,” Matviyenko stressed.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said, presenting a report to the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) on July 22, that four coronavirus vaccines had proved to be safe. Trials of two vaccines developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology are at the final stage.

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