Russia claims success

Moscow: Russia has released new results claiming its experimental Covid19 vaccine is highly effective and will cost less than vaccines made by some Western competitors.

Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled the development of the shot, says Sputnik V will cost less than $US10 ($NZ14) per dose.The vaccine will be free for Russians. Developers of the vaccine say it was 91.4% effective, according to new trial data.

Pfizer and Moderna shots cost about $US20 and $US15$US25 per dose respectively. — AP