PM Modi, CMs to take COVID-19 jab in second phase of vaccination

The second phase is meant for those over 50 years of age

As the COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues with varying degrees of enthusiasm in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many Chief Ministers are likely to get the jab in the second phase of the drive for those over 50 years of age.

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Mr. Modi in his video conference with Chief Ministers just before the launch of the nationwide drive, said politicians should not jump the queue for vaccination, as the first round was for frontline workers in the health and law enforcement sectors, government sources noted.

“In the same vein, he said politicians would get their turn in the second phase when senior citizens will be vaccinated,” a government official said. “There is nothing new in the plan that was originally thought up.”

As the campaign progresses, optics of Mr. Modi getting the jab could go a long way in addressing concerns of vaccine sceptics. In the campaign since January 16, the target could not be achieved.

Slow offtake

Several reasons are being attributed to the slow offtake with software glitches, adverse events, and uncertainty over the efficacy of the vaccine being among the many reasons.

It is unclear whether the Prime Minister will take Covishield or Covaxin.

Meanwhile, under “vaccine diplomacy”, consignments have been sent to India’s neighbours such as Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh.