Russia has become the first country to give regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine, after two months of human trials.
The announcement, made by President Vladimir Putin, means that mass inoculation can take place in Russia, while the final stages of clinical trials continue.
Putin has said the vaccine, which was developed at Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, is 'safe, worked effectively and formed long-term immunity', the Independent reports.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting earlier today, Putin is reported as saying: "As far as I know, this morning for the first time in the world a vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection was registered.
"I know that it works rather effectively, forms a stable immunity, and, I repeat, it passed all the necessary inspections."
He went on to say: "One of my daughters did the inoculation herself.
"After the first injection, her temperature went up to 38, but by the next day it was just a little over 37."
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova has said the country plans to begin vaccinating medical staff this month, with a mass inoculation programme rolling out next year.
