Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his first dose of the Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin Covid-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS Delhi on Monday. With this, the third phase of the inoculation drive begins in the country as a massive chunk of the population aged above 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities prepare to take the shots.
"Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," PM Modi said in a tweet.
Sharing an image of himself taking the vaccine shot, PM tweeted, "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19.”
At the time of the vaccination, Modi wore a "gamchha" (scarf) from Assam, which is regarded as a symbol of the blessings of women from Assam. The Prime Minister has been seen wearing it on many occasions.
Nurse P. Niveda from Puducherry administered the vaccine to Modi, who was assisted by another nurse from Kerala Rosamma Anil.
The Prime Minister decided to get the jab at 6.25 a.m. and remained under observation for half an hour in the hospital and left around 7 a.m.
He also appealed to those who are eligible to take the vaccines should come forward for it.
"I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," Modi said.
The ongoing vaccination drive will now reach around 27 crore people who are on the list of priority for vaccination starting Monday. Vaccination will be provided free of charge at the government health facilities, while private hospitals can charge Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 for service charges fixed by the central government. Around 10,000 hospitals have been listed under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and 687 hospitals under CGHS can be used by states as Covid vaccination centres (CVCs).
Also Read: Steady rise in covid cases in Jalandhar: 120 including students, teachers test positive on Feb 28
The COWIN portal will provide the facility for booking an appointment based on the vaccination centres declared by the states/UTs, with their location, the dates on which appointment slots are provided and the capacity declared as open slots and the vacancies available at the time of booking.
Beneficiaries through online registration or mobilization through on-site registration are directed to carry the following identification card for verification at the time of vaccination - Aadhar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC); and Certificate of comorbidity for citizens in the age group of 45 years to 59 years