Coronavirus vaccine clinics have opened across Moscow with health workers and teachers first in line to get Russia's Sputnik V jab.

(France 24)

Seventy COVID-19 clinics opened in the Russian capital on Saturday, three days after President Vladimir Putin ordered a "large-scale" immunisation programme that he claims will begin with two million doses being made available this week.

The Sputnik V has not yet completed Phase 3 of its trials, unlike the vaccine produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, sparking widespread criticism it is not safe for use.

(eHealth Magazine)

The Moscow-based Gamaleya Institute, which is producing the vaccine, says an "advanced" study on 40,000 volunteers showed 91.4% efficacy after two doses.

Russia claimed it was the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine back in August, with Mr Putin claiming one of his daughters had already had the jab.

Despite still being in the middle of safety tests, Sputnik V has been offered to teachers, and health and social care workers in recent months.

Several government officials say they have already had the jab and that Navy crews are being immunised before they leave for their next mission.

(Lupni.com/Sky News)