PM Modi gets first jab of nCoV vaccine as India enters 2nd phase of immunization drive

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here to kick-start India’s second phase of the immunisation drive.

Mr Modi shared a picture of himself being administered the vaccine by two healthcare workers and tweeted, "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. 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 appealed to the eligible population to take the vaccine.

According to sources, PM Modi reached AIIMS around 0625 hrs. A statement from his office said he chose to take the shot early and was taken to AIIMS without any special route restrictions to avoid any inconvenience to the people.

He was administered the home-grown Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as India entered its second phase of inoculation for people over 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities.

BBIL India’s leading vaccines manufacturer hails PM modi for vaccine

Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), India’s leading vaccines and bio-therapeutics manufacturer, has welcomed the gesture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in taking the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine himself.

Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International Limited, said “We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine himself and are deeply appreciative of the gesture.

This has set a powerful example for all Indians to follow, which will go a long way in reducing vaccine hesitancy and building confidence in immunization against the ongoing pandemic. We express our sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for reposing his trust in the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN®. We urge all fellow citizens to not hesitate from taking part in the Covid-19 immunization program so that the country can bring an end to this public health crisis.”

BBV152 (COVAXIN®) contains a whole virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which is produced in Vero cells. The vaccine is stable at +2°C to +8°C (refrigerated) and is shipped in a ready-to-use liquid formulation that permits distribution using existing vaccine supply chain channels.(UNI)