Covid Vaccination: PM Modi Leads By Example
Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2021-03-01 06:03:17
About the Author
Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
View all posts by this Author
As India started its second phase of Covid vaccination for people above 60-years of age and those with comorbidities above 45-years of age, Prime Minister Modi became the first to take a shot at AIIMS in Delhi. In a gesture that is likely to give a huge push to the vaccination programme, Modi took the jab and, by design, selected the 'Made in India' Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech.
There has been a lot of adverse publicity, against vaccines in general and against Covaxin in particular (as it was approved in testing mode), and the previous drive had confirmed vaccine hesitancy, even among frontline workers. Hence it was necessary for the Prime Minister to take the lead in scotch these rumours. That he did this according to the rules only when people in 60-plus age bracket are getting vaccinated and not out of turn shows his respect for the same. The second dose will be administered to him after 28 days.
The Prime Minister is reported to have told the nurse who jabbed him that "laga bhi di, pata hi nahin chala" (you jabbed me and I did not feel it) as a compliment for her efficiency. He later tweeted "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 has shown the way. Now it is upon the people to respond positively and take the jab. The process has been made easier with the involvement of the private sector and walk-in facility to chose day, time and centre of vaccination. The cost (Rs. 250 per dose) is also not prohibitive. With a resurge in infections all over India and new strains of Covid-19 making an appearance, it is necessary that a critical mass is vaccinated at the earliest in India to win the war against the virus. Those who are eligible should take both the doses at their convenience and support the fight against Covid-19.
