푸틴 "세계 최초 코로나19 백신 등록...내 딸도 접종"<br /><br />Our top story this morning.<br />Russia has become the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing.<br />The drug, named "Sputnik-V",... pays homage to the world's first satellite Moscow launched during the Cold War.<br />President Putin even says his own daughter has already been vaccinated.<br />Lee Kyung-eun reports.<br />Russia has declared victory in the global race to make a COVID-19 vaccine.<br />On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin said Russia is the first country to approve a vaccine.<br />Developed by the country's Gamaleya Institute, the drug is named "Sputnik V", in homage to the world's first satellite Russia launched during the Cold War.<br />Putin said the drug underwent necessary tests and forms a lasting immunity to COVID-19, adding that one of his daughters was also given it.<br />However, the authorities have not yet provided data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.<br />The approval comes without going through the final, Phase 3 trial - which involves tens of thousands of people being administered it over a months-long period.<br />This has prompted experts to raise concerns.<br />"And if the reports of the vaccine so far having been tested on a few-dozen people are true, then that is way too early in the process to actually approve a vaccine. It may be promising, but we may be taking it a step too far in terms of any regulatory approvals at this stage."<br />The international community remains largely skeptical too.<br />In response to Russia's announcement, a U.S. top health official said, “the point is not to be first".<br />Germany also echoed the pessimism, pointing to a lack of information.<br />The World Health Organization says it's in discussions with Moscow, calling for an objective assessment of its safety and effectiveness.<br />Despite concerns, Moscow says it will first voluntarily provide the vaccine to medical staff, and then to teachers.<br />It expects to mass produce the drug by the end of the year.<br />Lee Kyung-eun, Arirang News.<br />
