Nicaragua receives first doses of Sputnik V vaccine

Vice President Rosario Murillo of Nicaragua announced on February 25 that the country received its first batch of Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, allowing the government to begin its vaccination program in March. The exact number of immunizers arriving this week was not disclosed, though the government said in January that the acquisition would reach 3.8 million doses. 

Ms. Murillo thanked their “friends” in Moscow, saying that the first jabs will be distributed to patients with severe cases of Covid-19 and chronic diseases. The government in Managua promised to vaccinate its 6.5 million population by relying on vaccines from different labs. 

As of February 26, the Central American nation has reported 6,445 coronavirus cases and 173 deaths. However, independent medical groups and experts say the numbers are severely underreported, with deaths potentially reaching 3,000.

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