Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine and appealed to all those who are eligible to get the vaccine too. On Monday, MP Modi arrived at the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi to take the jab, kickstarting the next phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive in India.
Following the shot, Modi took to Twitter and 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. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!”.
Amid a growing number of more infectious virus strains and a spurt in cases, India is set to expand its vaccination programme starting Monday to cover people over 60 and those over 45 with co-morbidities.
As photos of Modi with the sleeve of his kurta rolled up, taking a shot, went viral, many praised the Indian PM for taking the step and encouraging millions of Indians to do the same.
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to congratulate the PM and said that the latter had given a “big message” by getting the made-in-India vaccine Covaxin, thus silencing those who had doubts about India’s vaccine and the ability of Indian scientists to deliver an effective vaccine.
यशस्वी PM श्री @narendramodi जी ने स्वदेशी वैक्सीन #Covaxin की डोज़ लेकर एक बड़ा संदेश दिया है। विशेषकर उन लोगों को जो इस वैक्सीन पर और भारतीय वैज्ञानिकों की क्षमता पर सवाल उठा रहे थे।उन्होंने सिर्फ़ वैक्सीन नहीं ली है, आत्मनिर्भर भारत का नारा भी बुलंद किया है।@PMOIndia https://t.co/kCmduNKTFE
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 1, 2021
Yet others were impressed by the PM’s move to get the vaccine. Critics had questioned Modi and other politicians for not taking the vaccine themselves while encouraging others to take the shot. By taking the vaccine, many on Twitter claimed that that the PM was leading by example and that the move would help dispel the fears of many Indians who were so far scared or insecure about trusting the vaccine.
Sir, today many critics will be silenced who were accusing the PM or any of politician for not getting vaccinated citing feel of insecurity or fear; not realising the policy of first priority for frontline & health workers. No out of turn shot for anyone, even for PMJai Hind— 🇮🇳 BN Sharma, IG (Retd) (@BholaNath_BSF) March 1, 2021
Very happy to see the Hon'ble PM taking the vaccine as per the govt process and schedule. This will also motivate all to take the vaccine as that's the only way to defeat the virus.— D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) March 1, 2021
You waited for your turn like a common man… this is what called a true leader.. kudos— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) March 1, 2021
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. According to the ministry, there will be a facility of on-site registration so that eligible beneficiaries can walk into identified vaccination centres, get themselves registered and inoculated. The eligible persons will be able to register at the Co-WIN2.0 portal through their mobile number, through a step-by-step process.