Mexico City (Reuters): Mexico has approved emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine after signing a contract for millions of doses of the product, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said on Tuesday.

In a morning news conference, Lopez-Gatell said Mexico’s contract provided for 7.4 million doses between February and April, with more due in May. “This gives us an enormous opportunity to accelerate vaccination in Mexico,” said Lopez-Gatell, whose country began using the Pfizer vaccine in December.

Later, at an evening news conference, Lopez-Gatell said Mexican health regulator COFEPRIS had authorised Sputnik V for emergency use.

Mexico is trying to secure as much vaccine supply as possible for its 126 million people following delays of some products amid a global scramble for vaccines.

Latin American nations, including Argentina and Mexico, showed an early interest in locking down supplies of the Russian vaccine. In December, the makers of Sputnik V requested to carry out clinical trials in Mexico.

Mexico approves Russian Sputnik V vaccine, signs deal for supply