WHO: started discussions with Russia on vaccine

World Health Organization's Europe office said it has begun discussions with Russia to try to get more information about COVID-19 vaccine that Russia approved last week before shot h passed vanced trials rmally required to prove it works.

"This concern that we have around safety and efficacy is t specifically for Russia vaccine, it's for all of vaccines under development," said Carine Smallwood, a senior emergency official at WHO Europe.

Smallwood ackwledged that WHO was taking an "accelerated approach" to try to speed development of coronavirus vaccines but said "it's essential we don't cut corners in safety or efficacy."

Smallwood said WHO has begun "direct discussions" with Russia and that WHO officials have been sharing " various steps and information that's going to be required for WHO to take assessments."