With the second phase of Coronavirus vaccination drive kicking off across India on Monday, as lots of as 1.46 lakh persons belonging to the age group above 60 years and the ones above 45 years with comorbidities received their initially COVID-19 vaccine jab. According to the figures, more than 25 lakh prospective beneficiaries registered themselves for the vaccination against the viral infection. It is to note that it is the initially time, COVID-19 vaccination is offered to the basic population. So far, the vaccine (Covishield and Covaxin) have been administered to healthcare workers and frontline workers. During the initially phase of vaccination, 1.43 crore doses have been administered.
Starting the vaccination amongst the basic population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became one of the firsts to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Modi, he was administered with his initially dose of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. He was offered a vaccine jab at AIIMS, New Delhi on March 1. According to his tweet, he has appealed all these who are eligible for vaccination to come forth and register themselves. “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!,” study Modi’s tweet.
The information revealed by the Union Health Ministry, 25 lakh prospective beneficiaries have so far registered on the Co-WIN portal on March 1. Among this, 24.5 lakh persons are these who belong to the two priority groups in the basic population whilst the remaining beneficiaries belong to the healthcare and frontline workers. Among these, who received vaccination on the initially day of phase 2, 1.28 lakh beneficiaries had been in the category of 60 years and above whereas 18,850 beneficiaries had been above the age of 45 years.
It is to note that self-registration has been opened up for persons in priority groups by way of Co-WIN portal/ app, and the Aarogya Setu app. Some vaccination centres have also offered stroll-in facilities for beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, PM Modi taking the shot has indicated government’s efforts to send out a message and clear vaccine hesitancy amongst persons. Apart from Modi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also got their initially dose of the Coronavirus vaccine.