Indian pharmaceutical giant Bharat Biotech, which developed Covaxin — a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the second phase of the vaccination drive on Monday. Modi received his first jab at the AIIMS in New Delhi. The second phase of immunisation drive will cover people aged 60 and above and those between 45-59 having co-morbidities. 

Expressing his gratitude to the prime minister, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech International Limited Krishna Ella said, “We thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine himself and are deeply appreciative of the gesture.”

“This has set a powerful example for all Indians to follow, which will go a long way in reducing vaccine hesitancy and building confidence in immunization against the ongoing pandemic,” he said.

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“We express our sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for reposing his trust in the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN. We urge all fellow citizens to not hesitate from taking part in the COVID-19 immunization programme so that the country can bring an end to this public health crisis,” Ella said.

After taking the vaccine, Modi appealed to all those who are eligible to get inoculated.

Nurse P Niveda, who hails from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN to the prime minister, sources said.

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“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,” Modi tweeted after taking the vaccine shot.

“I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!” he added.

Covaxin has been indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Besides Covaxin, Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield is the other vaccine being administered in the country.