Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday received his first dose of coronavirus vaccine at Delhi’s premier All India Institutes of Medical Sciences.

“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!” he tweeted with a picture of him receiving the shot.

The prime minister went to AIIMS early this morning. He is seen wearing a gamcha from Assam, which is symbolic of the blessings of women from the state. He was administered the COVAXIN (Bharat BioTech) by Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry. The second nurse is from Kerala.

India will expand its coronavirus vaccination programme today to cover people over 60 years of age and those above 45 with co-morbidities.

In the first phase, 1.43 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines were administered to two priority groups: healthcare and frontline workers.

While the second phase of vaccination comes at a time when India’s active Covid cases are under control, eight states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh — have been a cause of concern, reporting an uptick in daily cases in the last two weeks.

From March 1, the slots will be open from 9 am till 3 pm, and the appointments can be booked anytime before 3 pm, subject to availability.