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Coronavirus: Russians rush to be vaccinated abroad due to WHO not approving Sputnik-V

Russian travel agencies sell package tours for Russians in order to be vaccinated abroad with foreign vaccines against it coronavirus, as some citizens appear frustrated with the fact that domestically produced vaccines have not been approved internationally.

According to Reuters, Russia has not approved any for urgent use vaccine made abroad. It has approved four domestic vaccines, including the vaccine Sputnik-V administered in two doses.

Also, none of the vaccines in Russia not approved by the World Health Organization (WHERE) or the European Union (EMA).

WHERE suspended the Sputnik-V approval process until its experts re-visit a vaccine factory that did not follow good practice, such as had been announced on September 15 by the Pan-American Health Organization.

Vaccine tourism

Demand in Russia for trips abroad that offer the world the opportunity to be vaccinated with foreign vaccines approved by the WHO has increased since the announcement last week, said the Maya Lomindze, director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).

Most of these trips abroad, which cost about 600-850 euros per person, are destined for Serbia, while one company suggested as the destination the Germany. Russians choosing to be vaccinated abroad are being offered the opportunity to get one of four different vaccines, including the Pfizer vaccine, ATOR said in a statement.

If travelers choose a vaccine two doses, then they will have to travel twice.

THE Anna Filatovskaya, public relations manager of Russian Express, a travel agency that offers such trips, said that customers more often choose to get the vaccine. Pfizer.

Filatovskaya said that organized trips include return flights with Aeroflot, two or three nights in a hotel in Belgrade, breakfast and a visit to a clinic.

Vaccination is free of charge, but the travel agency registers customers to do so, she said, adding that “we started selling these tours about two weeks ago. “There were about 20 applications during this period.”

Demand has risen following reports in the local media about availability such trips, he said.

“It simply came to our notice then strong demandHe told Reuters, adding that 17 people had applied for a vaccination trip today Wednesday.

THE Yveta Verdiyan, advertising manager of another travel agency, said that these trips are made mainly by Russians who travel for business or whose children study abroad.

THE Mary, a resident of Moscow, said she traveled abroad this summer alone to be vaccinated. “I trust Sputnik – but it is not recognized outside of Russia. “Travel rules around the world mean I need an international certificate to be able to travel,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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