Global health agency urges vaccine safety trials

Pan American Health Organization has expressed reservations over reports that institutions in region were negotiating to manufacture and distribute a new COVID-19 vaccine anunced by Russia that has yet to go through standard, extensive safety and efficacy trials.

organisation's deputy director, Jarbas Barbosa, said in an online news conference Tuesday from Washington that any vaccine should be carefully evaluated to ensure product is safe and effective.

In Brazil, Parana state's government said it is negotiating with Russian Embassy to participate in development of a COVID-19 vaccine, and will be holding a technical meeting Wednesday with Russia's ambassor.

Nicaragua earlier anunced plans to produce a Russian vaccine and on Monday, Vice President Rosario Murillo, wife of President Daniel Ortega, again said country was in contact with Russian institutions to produce and even export a COVID-19 vaccine.

Barbosa said vaccine has t yet gone through all steps needed so that it could be recommended by World Health Organization or Pan American Health Organization. He said global health officials were talking with Russian officials to review ir data and clinical trials.

“Only after that review, having access in a transparent way to those data and all information, are we going to take a position,” he said.