NEWDELHI, Mar 1, 2021 (BSS/PTI)-Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS here and appealed
to all those who are eligible to get inoculated. Sister P Niveda, from
Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN to the prime minister,
sources said.
“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,” Modi tweeted after taking the vaccine shot.
“I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let
us make India COVID-19 free!” he said.
The prime minister also posted a picture of himself taking the first dose
of the vaccine in which he is seen sporting a Assamese ‘gamocha’ and getting
inoculated with a smile on his face.
Sister Niveda and a second nurse from Kerala can be seen in the picture
posted by Modi.
The prime minister went to AIIMS without any arrangement of “route” on the
roads, thus choosing early morning to ensure no inconvenience to people, the
sources said. The government had announced on Wednesday that everyone above
60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities will be able to
get COVID-19 vaccine from March 1 for free at government facilities and for a
charge at many private hospitals.
Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination,
anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through other IT
applications such as Aarogya Setu.