The Russian Manufacturer Of The Sputnik V Vaccine Quips The European Union's Vaccination Failure

Vaksin Sputnik V. (Wikimedia Commons / Casa Rosada)

JAKARTA - The European Union stated that it does not need the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia's Sputnik V, to fulfill the immunity of all its members. The European Union says it is sufficient to use their own vaccines.

This statement was made by Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, who heads the EU's executive vaccines task force, on Sunday 21 March.

"We absolutely do not need the Sputnik V (vaccine)," Thierry Breton told TF1 Television as reported by Reuters.

The European Commission is known to have drawn criticism for the slow pace of the COVID-19 vaccination program as cases of an infection increase. Meanwhile, Britain, which has left the European Union, has a progression of the vaccination program that is getting better from day-to-day.

"Today, we clearly have the capacity to deliver 300 to 350 million doses by the end of June and therefore by 14 July. We have the possibility of achieving continent-wide immunity", continued Breton.

Breton reiterated earlier comments on EU assistance to Russia on vaccine production if needed. However, priority must be given to Europe.

"The dose is there, now people have to receive vaccinations and we already have the logistics", he said.

This statement drew reactions from Russia's Sputnik V vaccine manufacturer, saying Breton's statement was biased.

"Europeans want a safe and efficient vaccine option, which you have failed to provide so far", said producer Sputnik V.

"If this is an official EU position, please tell us there is no reason to pursue EMA approval, because of your political bias. We will continue to save lives in other countries", the producer continued.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a rolling review of the Covid-19 Sputnik V vaccine earlier this month, in connection with the authorization of the use of the vaccine in the European Union.