Russian Sputnik V vaccine arrives in Serbia

By BELGRADE, Serbia

The first batch of Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V arrived in Serbia on Wednesday, according to the country's health minister.

The first contingent of 2,400 doses was delivered to the Torlak Institute for Virology, Vaccines, and Serums in the capital Belgrade, said Zlatibor Loncar.

Loncar said that the vaccines are awaiting approval from the Drug Agency and the Torlak Institute and they will start using the Russian jab between Jan. 2-4.

"Larger quantities will arrive immediately after New Year," said Loncar.

Serbia began a coronavirus vaccination campaign on Dec. 24 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the homes for the elderly.

Serbia is the only Western Balkan country that has so far received the vaccine against COVID-19.

*Writing by Mustafa Talha Ozturk