Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently administered a Covaxin shot, developed by Bharat Biotech, at New Delhi's AIIMS hospital, making him the first beneficiary in the second phase of India’s nationwide vaccination program against the COVID-19 pandemic.
"(It is) remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi said in a Twitter post, sharing a photo of him receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
Modi also urged all eligible persons to get inoculated as India began vaccinating people over 60 and those over 45 who have illnesses.
"Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," he said.
A statement from his office said he chose to take the shot early and was taken to AIIMS Hospital without any special route restrictions to avoid any inconvenience to the people.
India hopes to rein in a growing number of more infectious virus strains and a spurt in cases in some states.
Bharat Biotech will be distributing Covaxin in the Philippines for the private sector, through Ambica and Family Vaccine and Specialty Clinics, an IP-biotech company.
An emergency use approval was recently applied for on behalf of Covaxin with the Food and Drug Administration.
