Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 1 March, took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS in Delhi.
"Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.
Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin to PM Modi, while a nurse from Kerala was also present. The PM was also wearing an Assamese gamcha when he went to get the shot.
Many on social media have pointed to the symbolism of this, with elections in four states and one Union territory – including in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry – to be held in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech reacted to PM Modi’s vaccination, saying that they were “inspired and humbled”.
“Yes, we all shall fight #COVID-19 together and emerge victorious,” the company wrote on Twitter.
Health Minister Thanks PM
Thanking PM Modi for taking the vaccine, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said, "I have been saying from beginning that both our vaccines are safe and perfect as far as immunogenicity is concerned. We are thankful to the Prime Minister. He has always told us that you have to lead by example. He took the jab first of all, when vaccination of people above 60 years has begun," Vardhan told news agency ANI.
"PM Modi took Covaxin, against which a lot of misinformation was spread even when it was scientifically perfect. I think PM has given a clear message to the country. All misinformation and hesitancy should be buried once and for all," he added.
‘Laga Bhi Di, Pata Hi Nahi Chala’
Speaking to DD News, Sister Niveda said, "Sir (PM Modi) has been administered first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, the second dose will be given in 28 days. He asked us where do we belong to and after vaccination he said, ‘Laga bhi di, pata hi nahi chala’ (you already gave it, I didn't even feel it)."
"I am posted at the vaccine centre. I was called. We found out PM sir is coming today. It was great to meet PM sir," she was further quoted as saying.
Over 1.4 Shots Given So Far, 2nd Phase From Today
This comes when the second phase of vaccinations against the novel coronavirus began in India from Monday, with people above 60 years of age and those above 45 with co-morbidities eligible to get the jabs.
In the first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were eligible to be vaccinated. Over 1.4 crore vaccine shots have been given in India since the vaccination drive was kicked off on 16 January.
Two vaccine candidates – Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Serum Institute's Covishield – were given approval by India's top drug regulator earlier in January.
India has recorded over 1.10 crore cases of coronavirus till now, with the death toll standing at over 1.57 lakh.
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