Putin to receive Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19 when possible

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an annual year-end press conference on Thursday that he had yet to be inoculated with a Russian-made vaccine against COVID-19 but would do so when possible, adding that Russia's vaccine was safe and effective.

Putin, 68, said he's above the recommended age for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The annual press conference, the 16th of its kind, is held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Putin taking questions live from his Novo Ogaryovo residence.

Speaking on the COVID-19 pandemic, Putin touted Russia's health system, saying it has coped with the pandemic more efficiently than other countries, and Russia is among the world's top three countries in terms of virus testing.

(With input from agencies)