Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first to receive the vaccine for COVID-19 in the second phase of vaccination in the country which provides access to those over 60 years of age and those over 45 with comorbidities.
Modi took the India-made Covaxin vaccine at Delhi's AIIMS hospital, urging those eligible to take the vaccine.
"Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," he tweeted, along with an image of himself taking first dose of the vaccine. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!"
The Covaxin vaccine has been developed by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Apart from Covaxin, Pune-based Serum Institute's Covishield, developed with Oxford University and AstraZeneca, is also being used in India’s vaccination drive.