OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the cabinet of ministers to provide funding for mass vaccination against coronavirus infection after state registration of the drug, as well as influenza vaccination for 60 % of citizens in the autumn–winter period. According to the Kremlin website, the instruction says that it is necessary to provide for vaccination against influenza with coverage of up to 75 % of people from risk groups.

During a meeting on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country at the end of July, the President of Russia stressed that special efforts should be focused on preventive work. He also noted that last year more than half of Russians were vaccinated against the flu, and this protected millions of people from the disease.

In addition, Putin recalled the principle of voluntariness during vaccination. He called a person’s personal choice whether to vaccinate or not, but he reminded of the responsibility of everyone for their own health and the health of children.

Registration of a coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia is expected on August 12, Deputy Minister of Health Oleg Gridnev said. Health workers and people at risk will be the first to be vaccinated.