The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded to the clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The WHO spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, explained that WHO would consider possible 'prequalification' of the Russian vaccine to fast-track its approval but that would still entail 'rigorous review and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data'. He added that 'as soon as the absolutely essential clinical trial data is available, national regulatory bodies need to be ready to review the safety and efficacy data before using it'. The fast-track vaccine was approved without phase III trials of the vaccine being completed, which has accumulated global scientific criticism.
