Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today got vaccinated at New Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Hospital today, three days after Phase II of India’s cross country Covid-19 vaccine drive started. He was directed Covishield. Mr Kejriwals parents Gobind Ram Kejriwal and Gita Devi, as well, got their injections, along with him.
All of three got their first dose toward the beginning of the day today. Covishield is manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute and developed in partnership with Oxford University and pharma giant AstraZeneca. Russia’s Sputnik-V and Cadila Healthcare’s ZyCov-D, as well, are probably going to enter the market shortly.
“My parents and I have taken a jab of Covid-19 vaccine at LNJP Hospital. We took Covishield. We don’t have any problems (after vaccination) and are in good health,” Mr Kejriwal said after receiving the first dose. “I appeal to those who are eligible for vaccination to come forward to take the vaccine. There are good facilities at LNJP hospital. There is no need to fear. Doubts in people’s mind (about vaccine) no longer exist.”
The first phase of the campaign targeted on medical care and other frontline workers, yet had not stayed up with expectations.
As part of the second phase, which aims to cover nearly 30 crore peoples, those over 60 years old and those over 45 years with co-morbidities are being focused on. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the phase on Monday by getting himself injected with Bharat Biotech-made Covaxin at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
In Delhi, the drive spans 192 health facilities, including 136 private hospitals. The vaccines will be administered free of cost at government hospitals and health centers, while up to ₹ 250 for each dose will be charged at private facilities. There are around 43 lakh peoples in the specified priority category for this phase in Delhi.
“We are in touch with the Central government. If needed, we will increase vaccination centres,” the Chief Minister said today
