Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and his wife took the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute on Tuesday.
India opened up vaccination for those over 60 years and within the age bracket of 45 to 59 years with specific comorbidities from March 1.
His wife Nutan Goel first took the jab of Covaxin after which Vardhan also took the vaccine shot. They had taken the 1st dose of indigenously developed Covaxin by Bharat Biotech on March 2.
Vardhan has been appealing to all those aged 60 and above and aged 45 and above having specified co-morbidities to immediately take the vaccine.
He had asked people not to keep any doubts about the vaccine underlining both Covaxin and Covishield are safe and immunogenic.
The Minister added that even if someone tests positive after taking vaccines, it minimizes the chances of their hospitalization or admission to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) wards. Stating that India currently has the lowest COVID-19 fatality rate in the world (1.34%), the Minister appealed to all those eligible to take the vaccine immediately.
There are only a few rare cases wherein people contracted COVID-19 after taking vaccines, said Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday. He was speaking to the media after receiving his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“There should be no doubt about Covaxin and Covishield safety and immunogenicity. Both Indian vaccines are safe and effective. A lot of people still have doubts regarding vaccines. I urge them not to believe what is being circulated in ‘WhatsApp university’,” the Minister added.
