Russian friends in Moscow interpreted the news as a sign that the country could still compete scientifically with the West after years of underfunding for the sciences and brain-drain. “The Western media writes badly about Russia because it makes them feel good,” complained Slava Fillipov, a photographer friend. “But we’re a lot more developed and smart than they think.”
Yet, even as many common Russians professed pride in the achievements of their scientists, the medical community is a lot more skeptical. A recent poll shows that 1 in 2 doctors have reservations about the inoculation, with two-thirds concerned about insufficient data proving its effectiveness, and others worried that it was developed “too fast.”
Even Russian friends who hailed the achievement still admitted that they’d rather wait until trials were complete — and the vaccine was also approved by the international community — before playing Russian roulette with their health. Most admit privately that they’re relieved that the vaccine won’t be obligatory for now.
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