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Russian medics to receive vaccine 'in two weeks'

Russia says that its coronavirus vaccine -- said to be the first approved in the world -- will roll out to medical workers in that country within two weeks.

And Moscow is also rejecting concerns aired by some experts over the drug's rapid approval as, quote "groundless."

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had become the first country to grant regulatory approval to a such a vaccine, after less than two months of human testing.

The vaccine has not yet completed its final trials.

Only about 10% of clinical trials are successful and some scientists fear Moscow may be putting national prestige before safety.

Russia's Health Minister said on Wednesday the vaccine developed by Moscow's Gamaleya Institute would be administered to people, including doctors, on a voluntary basis, and would be ready soon.

The president even said one of his daughters had taken it as a volunteer and felt good afterwards.

Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Institute, said clinical trials would be published once they have been assessed by Russia's own experts.

He said Russia plans to be able to produce 5 million doses a month by December or January.