One million Russian-made Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccines, which is need to be given in a single injection, will be given in townships with low immunization coverage in regions and states including Yangon, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Of the 400,000 doses of Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine donated by Russia and 600,000 doses which are purchased, the first batch of 488,000 doses arrived on 13 January and the second batch of 51,200 doses arrived via Qatar Airways at Yangon International Airport on January 16.

A total of 4,050 people from Hlaingthaya, Shwepyithar and Insein townships in Yangon Region are vaccinated against COVID-19 using Sputnik Light vaccine, received from donations and purchased from the Republic of Russia, on January 19.

According to the MOH, the Sputnik Light vaccine requires a single injection and has a high immunity rate, which could increase the coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine in a short period of time.