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Coronavirus pandemic

COVID-19 vaccine trials show it is safe and well tolerated, says Defense Ministry

Eighteen volunteers took part in the vaccine trials

© Russian Defense Ministry/TASS

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. The vaccine tested at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital is safe and well tolerated, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Wednesday.

"The available data based on laboratory and instrumental research makes it possible to say that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated," the ministry said.

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Eighteen volunteers took part in the vaccine trials. Their vital signs were within normal limits for 28 days after the vaccination. No adverse events, complaints about health, complications or side effects were recorded, the ministry noted.

According to the Defense Ministry, on the 42nd day after the first vaccination, volunteers will have to return to the hospital for the final medical examination and diagnostics.

In early June, the Russian Defense Ministry said that two groups of volunteers had been selected for clinical trials of the vaccine. The first group included military servicemen, while the second one is comprised of civilians. The experiment is being conducted by the Russian Defense Ministry in collaboration with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.

The group of military servicemen consists of 50 people, including five women. There are also 10 medical workers among them.

On June 30, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that research on a new coronavirus vaccine should be completed by the end of July.

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