(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday was administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. PM Modi got himself vaccinated against coronavirus just hours ahead of the start of the COVID vaccination drive for people above 60 years and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities across India. He was vaccinated at All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital. The prime minister tweeted a picture of himself being administered the first dose of the vaccine.
“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!” PM Modi tweeted.
In the photo, PM Modi was seen sporting a Assamese ‘gamcha’ while getting inoculated by sister Niveda and a second nurse from Kerala was also seen in the picture.
Sister Niveda confirmed that the prime minister was administered the first dose of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. The AIIMS nurse also said that after getting the jab, PM Modi laughed and told her that he didn’t feel the pain.
“Laga bhi di, pata hi nahi chala”, PM Modi told the AIIMS nurse Niveda on a lighter note.
Many Opposition party leaders have been repeatedly criticising PM Modi for not taking the shot of COVID-19 vaccine in order to instil confidence amongst the population. Responding to critics, the prime minister had earlier said that the heads of the states will get vaccinated when their turn comes.
India kickstarted the world’s largest COVID vaccination programme on January 16, 2021. The country has approved Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield co-developed by Oxford/AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute of India (SII).
