Russia launches booster shots amid soaring infections

Russian health authorities have launched booster coronavius vaccination for those who had been immunized more than six months ago, amid a surge in new infections and deaths

MOSCOW -- Russian health authorities on Thursday launched booster coronavirus vaccination for those who had been immunized more than six months ago, as the country faces a surge in new infections and deaths. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said he had received a booster shot and urged city residents to follow suit. “In view of the difficult epidemiological situation today, doctors recommend having booster shots six months after vaccination,” Sobyanin said on his blog. “I'm pleading with you not to miss a chance to get additional protection from the virus, which is particularly important amid the spread of a more aggressive delta variant.” Moscow health authorities on Thursday started offering booster shots with the domestically produced, two-shot Sputnik V vaccine and its one-shot Sputnik Light version. Other Russian regions are also starting to offer booster shots.