Over-60s in Moscow begin receiving COVID vaccine

Health services in Moscow have begun offering a Russian-developed coronavirus vaccine to the over-60s, after the country's health ministry approved its use among the elderly.Mass vaccination began earlier this month in Russia with the Sputnik V vaccine, which is still undergoing late-stage studies to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Front line workers, including doctors and teachers, were first in line to receive the shots, and until Saturday, only those aged 18-60 were allowed to be vaccinated.On Saturday, the Health Ministry cleared Sputnik V for use among those older than 60.

Russia has been widely criticized for giving Sputnik V regulatory approval in August after the vaccine had only been tested on a few dozen people.Russian authorities have reported over 3 million confirmed coronavirus infections, the fourth highest caseload in the world, and more than 55,000 deaths.

The country has been swept by a rapid resurgence of the outbreak this fall, with numbers of confirmed infections and deaths significantly exceeding those reported in the spring.

Russia's authorities have resisted imposing a second nationwide lockdown or a widespread closure of businesses.

(IMAGE CREDITS:PTI)