Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday tasked officials with launching mass coronavirus vaccinations from next week.
After being the first country to register a vaccine for use, Russia is looking to leap ahead of other countries in the race to inoculate its population of 146 million.
Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.
“I ask you to begin the mass vaccination of the entire population next week,” Putin told officials at a televised government meeting.
“The Russian vaccine is the best in the world,” he said.
Putin said Russia should “get relevant infrastructure ready” to boost production of the vaccine, which Moscow is promoting to other countries as cheaper and easier to transport than others jabs.
