​South Korea plans to review the possibility of adopting Russian-made COVID-19 vaccines as a way to ease uncertainty surrounding how many jabs the country can secure from global vaccine suppliers. 

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong revealed the possibility on the Sputnik V vaccines in a briefing on Monday, citing the need to secure additional vaccines amid concerns over COVID-19 variants and possible vaccine supply shortages. 

Previously, Seoul officials had shown reservation against the Russian vaccine, citing a lack of data on its safety and efficacy. This comes as an increasing number of European countries are eyeing vaccines from Russia and China as alternatives to addressing the shortages they are facing. 

The KDCA chief said authorities are also reviewing deals regarding Novavax, adding that if a deal between the U.S. pharmaceutical firm and SK Bioscience is reached, they would also consider signing a related deal with SK Bioscience. 

President Moon Jae-in earlier revealed that talks are under way to secure additional COVID-19 vaccines for 20 million people from Novavax, on top of the already secured doses for 56 million people overall.