Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday received his first dose of coronavirus vaccine at Delhi’s premier All India Institutes of Medical Sciences. Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN to the prime minister
“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 tweeted with a picture of him receiving the shot. The prime minister went to AIIMS early this morning. He is seen sporting an Assamese ‘gamocha’, which is symbolic of the blessings of women from the state. Sister Niveda and Rosamma Anil, the second nurse from Kerala can be seen in the picture posted by Modi. According to P Niveda, the main nurse, PM Modi chatted with them and remarked after receiving the vaccine: “Laga bhi diya aur pata bhi nahin chala (Already done? I didn’t even feel it).”
India will expand its coronavirus vaccination programme today to cover people over 60 years of age and those above 45 with co-morbidities. In the first phase, 1.43 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines were administered to two priority groups: healthcare and frontline workers. Registration on the Co-WIN2.0 portal will open at 9 am today. 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 Arogya Setu.
