Russian Health Minister: First batch of vaccine against COVID-19 to be released within 2 weeks

Russia’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said at a press conference on Wednesday, the first batch of the vaccine against coronavirus is expected to be released within two weeks.

Key quotes

"Within two weeks, the first batch of the vaccine will be released.”

"The vaccination will be voluntary anyway. Some of those doctors who already have immunity against the coronavirus, there are around 20 per cent, ... think they do not need vaccination, it will be up to them to decide.”

“While covering Russians' needs is a priority, the vaccine could also be exported abroad.”

"The vaccine certainly has some export potential, and we will certainly offer it to foreign countries], but the domestic market needs are our priority.”

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that they have registered the first coronavirus vaccine in the world.

The vaccine, named Sputnik V, was developed jointly by the Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defense Ministry.

Market reaction

The Russian ruble fails to benefit from the above comments and higher oil prices, as USD/RUB rises 0.18% so far, looking to test 73.50.

However, the vaccine news appears to have added to the risk-on market profile.