Sputnik V: Some dismay in Russia at vaccine exports

Some Russians took to social media to voice frustration after 300,000 doses of the country’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine were supplied to Argentina, arguing that more shots should be made available at home, Reuters reported.

Russia has announced several international deals for the supply of Sputnik V.

Though the vaccine is readily available in Moscow, relatively small batches have so far been delivered to many Russian regions as part of a mass inoculation program, with several reporting receiving 2,000 doses or less so far, Reuters added.

Novgorod has received 600 doses for civilian use thus far, according to an official in the local government. Kaliningrad has received 400, according to the Interfax news agency.

“Better hurry to Argentina to get vaccinated then,” Alexander, a resident of Kaliningrad, said on Twitter.

The Samara region has received 2,751 doses of Sputnik V for civilian use, according to local officials, and a further 1,000 for members of the military based there.

“Awesome! 3,000 for Samara, while Argentina gets 300,000…” wrote another Twitter user, Maria.

Equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines has become an issue across the world as rich nations, including in Europe and the US, secure hundreds of millions of doses of various shots, while poorer countries face more of a struggle to access supplies.