India began the world’s biggest vaccination drive today. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the programme, which aims to vaccinate more than 1.3bn people against COVID-19. Covishield and Covaxin are the two approved vaccines.
Over 300,000 health workers were set to be vaccinated on the first day of the drive. According to the international media, about 10 M health workers will receive the vaccination in the first round.
This will be followed by other frontline workers such as police and soldiers among others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and other frontline workers prioritized their duty towards humanity. He added they sacrificed their lives to save lives, so vaccinating the health workers first is like paying their debts.
As per international media, both the vaccines will be given as two doses- the second dose after about 28 days of getting the first. However, the second dose of vaccine should be the same COVID-19 vaccine which was received earlier.
Prime Minister Modi cautioned the people to stay away from rumours regarding the vaccines. Both the vaccines were approved by the Drug Controller General of India.
He also said that people should remain vigilant even after the vaccination and still take all precautions against the virus.
India today has the second-highest COVID-19 cases after the US at more than 10 M.
Kinley Dem
