The Kremlin has insisted that Russian-developed Sputnik Light was a standalone Covid-19 vaccine, after Russia's health minister was quoted as saying it would be used only as a booster for people who have already been inoculated.

Last week, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted as saying that with the spread of the Delta variant of the virus, the ministry would switch to recommending that Sputnik Light be used for re-vaccination only.

“Those are two different vaccines (Sputnik V and Sputnik Light) and the efficiency of both has absolutely been proven, not just in our country but in many countries of the world,” he told a briefing.

“Therefore, Sputnik Light can be used both as a main vaccine and as a booster."