NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Monday.
He also became the first person to be inoculated under the second phase of the vaccination drive which is meant for people above 60 years of age and for those above 45 with comorbidities.
The PM was given the shot early in the morning – 6.25am to be precise – at AIIMS to avoid inconvenience to the general public.
He was monitored for around 30 minutes before he left the hospital.
At 7.06am, he tweeted about getting vaccinated. He 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!”

The Prime Minister, who will receive the second dose in 28 days, sent out several messages by taking the vaccine jab on Monday:
Among the two vaccines available in India, PM Modi was administered the Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, developed indigenously in the country. He has been vigorously promoting “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) since lockdown which was imposed on March 25 last year.
He has also been publicising “Vocal for local” initiative in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. His inoculation seeks to convey the self-reliant India message.
There has been scepticism in certain quarters regarding the vaccine drive. Some people are hesitating to get vaccinated due to apprehensions regarding its alleged side-effects.
By leading the country in getting the vaccine shot, PM Modi seeks to dispel any such apprehensions and doubts in the mind of that section of the society.
Some people had also asked why the PM was not getting inoculated but was encouraging the others for the same. With the latest development, this issue has also been addressed. The PM did not “jump the queue” because the ‘Corona Warriors’ were being inoculated in the first phase.
However, Modi, 70, was the first person to get vaccinated when the citizens above 60 years of age have became eligible for it.
There was political symbolism too.
PM Modi was administered the injection by two nurses – Sister P Niveda from Puducherry and Sister Rosamma Anil from Kerala.
He was also seen wearing a ‘gamchha’ (scarf) from Assam. The scarf is considered to be auspicious and blessed by the women of the state. All these three states are going to polls later this month.