Putin to Receive Russian-Made COVID-19 Vaccine Today

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive a Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine on the 23rd (local time).

According to local media, President Putin publicly revealed his vaccination plan at a meeting on expanding domestic vaccine production the day before. He said, "Vaccination is a voluntary choice and a personal decision," adding, "I will get vaccinated tomorrow (the 23rd)."

President Putin is scheduled to receive one of the three Russian-developed COVID-19 vaccines: Sputnik V, EpiVacCorona, or CoviVac.

He claimed, "I can say that Russian vaccines are absolutely reliable and safe," and "No foreign product has shown such a high preventive effect."

At 68 years old this year, Putin's decision to get vaccinated is interpreted as an effort to directly dispel doubts about the safety of Russian vaccines. Russia's first vaccine, Sputnik V, sparked controversy as it was approved before completing all clinical trials.

However, there are also criticisms of a "belated vaccination." Russia began vaccinations in December last year.

The New York Times pointed out, "President Putin, who had delayed vaccination for seven months since the approval of Sputnik V in August last year, is now getting vaccinated," adding, "This contrasts with other countries where national leaders were among the first to be vaccinated."

It continued, "In Russia, elderly vaccinations have been underway since December last year," and "He dragged out his vaccination without any explanation and only last month said he would get vaccinated 'around this fall,' showing excessive caution."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.