Putin claims ‘Sputnik V' COVID-19 vaccine has gone through ‘necessary checks’ and is ready for use

Russia has become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine with President Vladimir Putin declaring it has gone through ‘necessary checks’ and is ready for use. But experts say it's vital the race to find a vaccine doesn't lead to compromises on safety amid concerns Russian researchers have cut corners. They’re calling it ‘Sputnik V’ a reference to the world’s first satellite. Russia's government is touting the development of a Russian COVID-19 vaccine as a similarly world-beating feat. Vladimir Putin has praised the scientists behind it and revealed one of his daughters, who he rarely refers to publicly, took part in the clinical trial.

An employee shows a new vaccine at the Nikolai Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, Russia. Source: AAP