Germany Cast Doubts Over Russia's COVID-19 Vaccine

The German Minister of Health, Jens Spahn, has expressed doubts over Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, stating that it isn't about "being first" but ensuring that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Spahn said, on German radio, Deutschlandfunk, that if the vaccine is approved for use now on millions or billions of people, it would pose a great risk, as the vaccine could end up losing "acceptance" once vaccination "goes wrong."

He continued by stating that there's little Russia is willing to disclose concerning the vaccine and that the vaccine should undergo a series of testing before final approval for use.

Spahn said, “It can be dangerous to start vaccinating millions, if not billions, of people too early because it could pretty much kill the acceptance of vaccination if it goes wrong, so I’m very sceptical about what’s going on in Russia.

“I would be pleased if we had an initial, good vaccine but based on everything we know – and that’s the fundamental problem, namely that the Russians aren’t telling us much – this has not been sufficiently tested,” he added.

READ ALSO: Putin Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Developed By Russia

“It’s not about being first somehow – it’s about having an effective, tested, and therefore safe vaccine."

Responding to the misgivings of the minister, Russian Health Minister, Mikhail Murashko, dismissed the doubts, stating that the vaccine was safe.

Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, had declared the safety of the vaccine, disclosing that one of his daughters had used it while the Philippines' President, Rodrigo Duterte, had indicated an interest in the vaccine.