Amid the doubts surrounding Covaxin’s efficacy rate and safety, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar voluntarily took vaccine shot at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital here on Friday, in a bid to instill trust amongst the health workers to come forward and actively participate in vaccination drive. As of now, 6497 health workers have received the jab in the state.
“I got my covaxin shot! Thanks to the team @gmcrgggh for the seamless experience. Appeal everyone to do it when your turn comes. Let’s end #Covid19 together,” Vijayabaskar tweeted.
Earlier he took to Twitter to say, ‘I am doing this as a doctor and member of IMA, to instill confidence among Health Care Workers. I request all to get vaccinated and safeguard themselves from #COVID19.’
As per the government’s order, only health and frontline workers are expected to be inoculated in the first phase of the vaccine drive.
Earlier this week, state health secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan also took the vaccine shot on the second day of vaccination drive in Trichy. “Both COVID-19 vaccines are safe. I am happy how healthcare workers in the state are responding to vaccination,” ANI quoted him as saying.
India started its nationwide vaccination programme on January 16 with two approved vaccines Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and Covishield by Serum Institute of India. Even as Covaxin has been approved by the DCGI, the apprehension around its safety still remains a topic of discussion as Bharat Biotech is yet to release phase 3 analysis of the vaccine which is mandatory for a vaccine to be approved for public use.
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may get a COVID shot in the second phase of the inoculation campaign. The phase two of the pan India vaccination drive will include people above the age of 50 and those below the age of 50 with serious comorbidities.
