The initial shipment of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines is expected to arrive in the Philippines on Saturday, May 1, Manila's envoy to Moscow said following delays in the delivery.
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said some 15,000 doses of the jabs were shipped from the Russian capital on Thursday and should arrive in Manila in two days.
"First shipment of Sputnik V vaccines (15,000 doses) left today, 29 April, from Moscow and should be in Manila by 1 May. More to come in the next weeks and months," Sorreta said in a Facebook post.
The initial shipment of Sputnik V vaccines was supposed to arrive in the Philippines on Wednesday night but the delivery was delayed by logistical issues, COVID-19 vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said.
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The jab, developed by Russia's Gamaleya Institute, was authorized by the Philippines for emergency use last month. Russia has touted the vaccine as the first in the world. Trials showed that the jabs were 91.6% effective against COVID-19.
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