Erdoğan addressed via videoconference the domestic COVID-19 vaccine’s phase 3 trial with volunteers at Ankara City Hospital.

“We have now entered the homestretch of the development of our own vaccine with the start of phase 3 trial,” Erdoğan said.

“Turkey is at a highly advanced level in the procurement and administration of vaccines”

Noting that the vaccine, named TURKOVAC, was jointly developed by Erciyes University and the Health Institutes Presidency of Turkey, Erdoğan said: “Vaccines are the most effective and widespread tools that are known to us in the fight against the pandemic. Turkey is at a highly advanced level in the procurement and administration of all the vaccines, particularly those of China and Germany, which have delivered concrete results.”

Pointing out that all citizens of Turkey aged over 18 years will be included in the nationwide vaccination drive in a few weeks, President Erdoğan said: “As we make progress in the fight against the pandemic and in vaccination, we ease the restrictions one by one.”

The President further stressed: “It is of critical importance that we have our own vaccine so as to save our country from the grip of the pandemic as soon as possible and ensure our people’s health and welfare.”

Stating that Turkey has now entered the homestretch of the development of its own vaccine with the initiation of the phase 3 trial, Erdoğan added: “I hope this phase will be completed within the prescribed timeframe and our vaccine will proceed to mass production and widespread use.”