The Secretary of Health Access, Carla Vizzotti, developed on the announcements by president Alberto Fernández about the acquisition of the Sputnik V vaccine, and stated that "Argentina and the world" are signing contracts to ensure supply even before decisive results of Phase 3- clinical trials confirm the efficacy are known.

The official also informed that its application in the country will be free and first target people in the so-called "risk groups".

Vizzoti underlined that Russia has experience in developing vaccines, such as those for MERS and Ebola, before explaining that data resulting from phase 1 and 2 determined that this COVID-19 vaccine is reliable. The next step, she added, is to make a registry for voluntary vaccination in Argentina of health staff and teachers.

Reportedly the vaccine could become available in the country as early as December, a key advantage of Sputnik compared to other vaccine candidates. This, the official asserted, would allow for a "vaccination strategy" to be put in motion as early as possible.

For his part, president Fernandez said: "it does not matter who produces the vaccine, finding the solution to the pandemic is".

Mr. Fernandez emphasized that his administration"does not check what's the ideology behind the vaccine; it only cares that it saves lives. The Head of State also said: "It seems that some people did not know that the Cold War was over and try to get us into an argument we don't care about" .

Translation and VO: Fernando Farías
Content Production: Silvana Avellaneda
Web Production: Julián Cortez