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The corona pandemic in Russia has been worsening dramatically for weeks: there have been more deaths and new infections than ever before since the beginning of the pandemic.
On Saturday, authorities reported 1,002 deaths within one day related to COVID-19 and more than 33,200 new infections.
At the same time, the population's willingness to vaccinate is low.
According to official information from the weekend, only 32.5 percent of the population are fully immunized.
This may also be related to the skepticism about the available vaccines: in Russia only vaccines that have been developed in their own country are permitted, including Sputnik V.
The Russian vaccines have not yet been approved by the WHO.
Entry into EU countries, for example, is only possible in exceptional cases.
These Russian tourists traveled to Serbia especially to get a Biontech vaccination - and then hope for more freedom.
Natalia Grigoriev, Russian tourist
“I prefer Pfizer, and I hope it doesn't make me sick. Since we have had COVID-19 and with it a very unpleasant disease, I hope for a mild course after a Pfizer injection. "
Vladimir Jagoda, Russian tourist
“Why Pfizer? It's recognized around the world and we're going to be cruising in two months, so: Pfizer only. "
The Russian authorities are trying to set further incentives for vaccination in the country: In Moscow even apartments are to be raffled off to those willing to be vaccinated.
There are currently no major restrictions in the country due to the high number of infections.
