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WHO lacks info to evaluate Russian COVID-19 vaccine, says PAHO

FILE PHOTO: A logo is pictured on the headquarters of the WHO in Geneva

BRASILIA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization has not received enough information on the Russian COVID-19 vaccine to evaluate it, the assistant director of its regional branch, the Pan American Health Organization, Jarbas Barbosa, said on Tuesday.

Asked about plans to produce the potential vaccine in Brazil, Barbosa said that should not be done until Phase 2 and 3 trials are completed to guarantee its safety and effectiveness.

"Any vaccine producer has to follow this procedure that guarantees it is safe and has the WHO's recommendation," he said in a virtual briefing from Washington.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle)