Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, and appealed to all those who are eligible to get inoculated.
Sister P Niveda, hailing from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN to the PM.
"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," tweeted PM Modi.
Appealing to people to take the vaccine, Modi said: "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!"
He also posted a picture of himself taking the first dose of the vaccine, in which he is seen sporting an 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 as well.
The PM went to AIIMS without any arrangement of "route" on the roads, thus choosing early morning to ensure no inconvenience to people, sources told PTI.
The government had announced on Wednesday that everyone aged above 60 and those aged over 45 with comorbidities will be able to get the 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 CoWIN 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu.