August 11, 2020 - 16:52 AMT
Russia registers coronavirus vaccine; Putin's daughter inoculated

Russia has become the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine for use, Euronews says.

Vladimir Putin, the country's president, announced one of his daughters has already been inoculated.

The move comes despite many scientists in Russia and abroad questioning the decision to make the vaccine available for use before Phase 3 trials, which normally last for months and involve thousands of people.

Speaking at a government meeting on Tuesday, Putin said that the vaccine has proven efficient during tests, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus.

Putin said that his daughter had a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius on the day of the first vaccine injection, and then it dropped to just over 37C on the following day.

After the second shot she again had a slight increase in temperature.

"She's feeling well and has a high number of antibodies,” Putin added. He didn't specify which of his two daughters received the vaccine.

The Health Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the vaccine is expected to provide immunity from the coronavirus for up to two years.

Russian authorities have said that medical workers, teachers and other risk groups will be the first to be inoculated.