US expresses doubts over Russia announcing 'world's first' COVID-19 vaccine

United States has expressed its scepticism over Russia anuncing ‘world’s first’ coronavirus vaccine named after Earth's first satellite 'Sputnik' on Tuesday. US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has reportedly said that it is more essential to have a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine than acing race of being first one to produce. Russian state media reported on August 10 of Russian President Vlimir Putin anuncing approval of coronavirus vaccine by health ministry. 

In a televised interview during his visit to Taiwan, when Azar was asked about his take on recent declaration of COVID-19 vaccine by Russia, he talked about importance of having a transparent data on its efficiency. While replying to question on ABC, US Health and Human Services Secretary said, “ point is t to be first with a vaccine. point is to have a vaccine that is safe and effective for American people and people of world.”

Alex Azar also ted that United States alrey has at least six vaccines for vel coronavirus under Operation Warp Speed initiative. Meanwhile, global coronavirus cases have surpassed 20.1 million with over 737,900 deaths as per Johns Hopkins University tally and US remains world’s most virus-affected country. America has till w recorded more than 5.1 million COVID-19 cases and 164,101 deaths. Russia, on or hand, has over 895,600 cases of coronavirus with 15,100 casualties. 

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US has ‘more stringent’ standards

Russia’s anuncement came when entire world was struggling to come up with COVID-19 vaccine. refore, White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway also expressed doubts about testing that backed Russia’s claim of developing coronavirus vaccine. She said that United States has ‘more stringent’ standards to entire procedure. In a separate televised interview, Conway said that US Food and Drug ministration sets standards ding that from what she understands from Russia anuncement is “this is where near where we are”.

However, accusing stir on global platform, Putin h said that COVID-19 vaccine developed in country h undergone required tests and it gave promising results of providing lasting immunity to disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Russian President even claimed that one of his two ult daughters has alrey been iculated. But, according to reports, Russian authorities have offered proof to back claims of safety or effectiveness. 

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Im: AP