Russia began vaccinating people against coronavirus on Saturday. People in Moscow could receive the jab at 70 clinics, with teachers, doctors, medical staff and social workers first in line.
The city's coronavirus task force confirmed the Sputnik V vaccine was now being deployed. "You are working at an educational institution and have top-priority for the COVID-19 vaccine, free of charge," read a phone text message received by a school teacher early on Saturday.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered a nationwide voluntary vaccination programme to begin next week. He said Russia will have produced two million vaccine doses within the next few days.