Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens and urged youngsters in the 12-14 age group and all those above 60 to get vaccinated.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, "Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated."

Modi said that India’s vaccination drive, which is the largest in the world, is science-driven. India began work to create vaccines in early 2020 against the COVID-19 to fight the pandemic.

"The manner in which our scientists, innovators and the private sector rose to the occasion is commendable. In late 2020, I visited three of our vaccine manufacturers and got firsthand details of their efforts to protect our citizens," said Modi.

Modi added that in January 2021, India began a vaccination drive for doctors, healthcare and frontline workers. The aim was to ensure those at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 get proper protection at the earliest.

Also, in March 2021, vaccination was opened to those above 60 and those over 45 with comorbidities. Later, the vaccination opened for all those above 18. It should make every Indian proud that the vaccines are free of cost for those who want it, Modi said.

On the vaccination front, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 180.60 crore (1,80,60,93,107) through 2,11,93,183 sessions.

"Today, India has administered over 180 crore doses, which includes over 9 crore doses in the age group of 15-17 and over 2 crore precaution doses. This forms an important protective shield for our citizens against COVID-19," Modi said in a tweet.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the last 24 hours saw a total of 7,52,818 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 78.05 crore (78,05,06,974) cumulative tests.

"Over the last year, India’s vaccination drive has been people-powered. Unlike other nations where we are witnessing a lot of vaccine hesitancy, people here have not only taken their doses but also urged others to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is heartening to see," Modi added.

The ministry said that nearly 183 crore (1,82,97,24,590) vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through central government and through direct state procurement category. More than 17.25 crore (17,25,37,371) balance and unutilised COVID-19 Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

"I would like to appreciate our state governments for their support towards India’s vaccination drive. Several states, especially the hill states and those where tourism is important, have achieved near total vaccination coverage and several big states have also done well," Modi tweeted.

Modi in the tweet added that in line with India’s ethos of caring for the entire planet, we sent vaccines to several nations under the Vaccine Maitri programme. I am glad that India’s vaccination efforts have made the global fight against COVID-19 stronger, he said.

"Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all COVID-19 related precautions," said PM Modi.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,876 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Following a continuous downward trend, India’s active caseload has declined to 32,811 which constitute 0.08 per cent of the country's total positive cases.

The health ministry said that India’s recovery rate stands at 98.72 per cent. A total of 3,884 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients is now at 4,24,50,055.

Today Is An Important Day In India’s Efforts To Vaccinate Our Citizens: PM