Over 1.91 lakh people get vaccine shots on Day 1 of Covid-19 vaccination drive | Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitoring the vaccination process and taking updates on real-time basis from centres across the country.

1,65,714 people were vaccinated today; No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far: Health Ministry

The vaccines have been presented before the country like 'Sanjeevani' for us, in the fight against #COVID19. The fight was gradually heading towards victory, now it seems almost definite that the step towards victory will be taken quickly: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

We received success to an extent in our fight against COVID-19, in one year. Data in last 3-4 months, our recovery and fatality rate indicate that we were gradually heading towards victory against COVID: Union Health Minister at video conferencing with Health Ministers of all States and UTs

As many as 40 frontline workers have been vaccinated for coronavirus at a naval hospital in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

"Covishield vaccine was given to 40 frontline Covid warriors including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, health workers, ward sahayakas and medical attendants at INHS Kalyani, Visakhapatnam," said a city-based defence official.

Atul Kumar Jain, vice admiral and flag officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) launched the vaccination drive.

Andhra Pradesh Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy said there is no fear of coronavirus with the arrival of indigenous vaccines.

He said it is safe to take the vaccine shot and called on people to go for it. Reddy highlighted that vaccines from overseas were used earlier, which has changed now as they are being manufactured in India itself.

The minister said the advances India made in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have enabled India to achieve this feat. He participated in the vaccination programme at Nellore government hospital.

In Nellore district, the vaccine will be administered at 26 places for 100 people each on the first day of vaccination. In total, 2,600 people will be vaccinated.

Bharat Biotech, which has received a government purchase order for supply of 55 lakh doses of Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine, said the company will
pay compensation to recipients in case of any serious adverse effects experienced after receiving the antidote.

Instead of crowding a vaccination room, relatives and friends accompanying the persons who are being inoculated against Covid-19, should instead wait outside and greet them with a flower, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday.

"Vaccination has started throughout the country. Visitors and relatives of the person being administered a vaccine should not go inside vaccination rooms. Instead, welcome the person who has been vaccinated with a flower, like the way we did. We have given a rose flower. We have to follow this protocol," Javadekar told the media.

Amid cheers, a woman sanitation worker received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital as the exercise was launched in Telangana on Saturday.
Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Health Minister Eatala Rajender formally launched the vaccination programme at the state-run Gandhi Hospital. The woman sanitation worker was administered the shot amid cheers by those present at the Gandhi Hospital after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the occasion of the vaccine roll out concluded.

The vaccination campaign also began simultaneously at various other locations in the state where state ministers and other public representatives were present.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged people not to believe in rumours and listen to experts who say COVID-19 vaccines are safe, as the world's largest immunisation programme against the disease began in the country. Kejriwal inspected the COVID-19 vaccination campaign at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital here, interacted with some health workers who received the shot and lauded their contribution in fighting the pandemic.

The vaccination drive has started at 81 centres in Delhi.

"I have interacted with those vaccinated. No one has any problem. All are happy that they will get rid of coronavirus," the chief minister said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday termed a "revolutionary step" the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive and recalled efforts of health and frontline workers during the pandemic period. Launching the vaccination drive at the COVID care centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) here, the chief minister said the "corona warriors" had selflessly treated the COVID-19 patients when there was no remedy available.

"Those days still give me shivers. The situation was really adverse and grim then. Hospitals were flooded with COVID-19 patients. How to proceed was a big question before everyone and no solution was in sight. Everyone was under pressure because of the situation," he said.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday described the launch of the anti-coronavirus immunisation drive as a "red-letter day" for the people of India and lauded scientists for developing the vaccines in a record time. Union ministers, including Amit Shah, extolled the rollout of the inoculation programme. The home minister said the made-in-India vaccines represent the determination of a "self-reliant India."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's COVID-19 immunisation drive and asserted that the made-in-India vaccines being rolled out will ensure a "decisive victory" for the country over the coronavirus pandemic.

Everyone was eagerly waiting for this day. Finally, the vaccine is out. Vaccination would take place at 167 booths... It would take one to one-and-half-a-year to vaccinate everyone. Until then, we need to continue to follow COVID related protocols: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

Maharashtra: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurates the vaccination centre at BKC Jumbo COVID19 hospital in Mumbai

Many eminent doctors have raised questions with regard to the efficacy and safety of COVAXIN with govt saying that people will not be able to choose as to which vaccine they would like to take. This goes against the entire doctrine of informed consent: Congress MP Manish Tewari

If the vaccine is so safe & reliable & efficacy of the vaccine is beyond question then how is it that not a single functionary of the government has stepped forward to get themselves vaccinated as it has happened in other countries around the world? asks Tewari

Kerala: Covid-19 vaccination drive started at Integrated Family Health Centre and Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram

Today we've demonstrated that we can be 'aatmanirbhar' in protecting the people of India, in a frontline technology like creating vaccines over a short period of time. We have two made in India vaccines licensed today, both are great vaccines. Please embrace it and show to the world faith in your own products, in your own science, own technology and faith in the regulatory system and faith in the govt - both Central & in States:: Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog

Karnataka: The Covid-19 vaccination drive is underway at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubli

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat witnesses vaccine administration

Andhra Pradesh: Covid-19 vaccination drive begins at General Hospital in Vijayawada

Pune: Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla receives a shot of COVISHIELD vaccine manufactured by his company

We've started the world's largest vaccination programme and we are very confident that it will be a smooth programme and we will be able to vaccinate a very huge number of people. It is the beginning of the end as far as the pandemic is concerned: AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria

I want to reassure everyone that the vaccine is safe. It is efficacious. We have to vaccinate a huge number of people & therefore we can't start being very choosy. We must have confidence in our researchers, scientists & regulatory authorities: AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth witnesses COVID-19 vaccine administration at Balrampur hospital in Lucknow

This is a historic day. We are working to successfully carry out the first phase of the vaccination drive within the deadline & then complete the second phase to make a healthy Jammu and Kashmir. We need to continue following Covid protocols: J&K Governor Manoj Sinha

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth witnessed COVID-19 vaccine administration at Balrampur hospital in Lucknow. "102 health workers would receive vaccine at the hospital today, out of which 15 people have been given so far & everyone of them are totally fine," he said.

I am very happy that the Covid-19 vaccination drive has begun, we have started with the health workers & it will gradually come down to other people. I've written to the PM to request free vaccine for the lower-income group: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh

Maharashtra: BJP workers celebrate and burn an effigy of coronavirus in Ghatkopar area of Mumbai as the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive begins

Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering congratulates PM Narendra Modi and the people of India for the landmark launch of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive today. 

"We hope it comes as an answer to pacify all the sufferings we have endured this pandemic," he says.

Odisha: Former AIIMS Director and Vice Chancellor of SOA University, Dr Ashok Mohapatra receives the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at SUM hospital in Bhubaneswar

Gujarat: The Covid-19 vaccination drive begins at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad

Jammu and Kashmir: The Covid-19 vaccination drive begins at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan shows a dose of COVAXIN developed by Bharat Biotech at AIIMS, Delhi as the first phase of vaccination begins across the country

AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria receives COVID-19 vaccine shot at AIIMS, Delhi

I am very happy and satisfied today. We have been fighting against COVID-19 in PM's leadership for the last one year. This vaccine will work as a 'sanjeevani' in the fight against COVID-19, which has entered the final stage: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

This is probably the biggest immunisation campaign against COVID anywhere in the world. India has tremendous experience in handling such issues. We have already eradicated polio and smallpox, says Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker, becomes the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS, Delhi in presence of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria received the COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS, Delhi. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is also present.

A sanitation worker becomes the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS, Delhi. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is also present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches nation-wide vaccination drive against COVID-19, via video conference

PM Narendra Modi gets emotional while talking about the hardships faced by healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic

PM Modi launches world's biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive. Here are the pointers from his address to the nation

• Everyone was asking as to when the vaccine will be available, it is available now. I congratulate all the countrymen on this occasion
• Normally, it takes many years to make a vaccine but in such a short span of time, not one, but two 'Made in India' vaccines are ready. Meanwhile, the work on other vaccines is progressing at a fast pace
• I want to remind people of the country that two doses of the corona vaccine are very important. Experts have said that there should be a gap of one month between both vaccinations
• I request you not to make the mistake of taking off the mask and not maintaining social distancing after getting the first dose because immunity develops after the second dose
• Such a vaccination drive at such a massive scale was never conducted in history. There are over 100 countries having less than 3 crore population and India is administering vaccination to 3 crore people in the first phase only. In the second phase, we've to take this number to 30 crores
• The country had been waiting impatiently for this day
• We have got two vaccines in such a short time, it's a testimony to our scientists' talent and skills
• Our vaccination programme driven by humanitarian concerns; those exposed to maximum risk get priority
• PM Modi turns emotional remembering the nation's fight against COVID-19, says, "Today when we take a look at the last year, we realise that we have learned a lot as a person, a family and as a nation"
• This disease kept people away from their families. The mothers cried for their children and had to stay away. People could not meet their elderly admitted at hospitals. We could not bid adieu to those with proper rituals who died due to corona
• Scientists gave nod to two made-in-India vaccines after being sure of their effects, don't pay heed to rumours, propaganda
• India's vaccines enjoy global credibility because of their track record
• In the fight against corona, we've set an example for the world at many steps. When countries left their citizens, stuck in China amidst this pandemic, on their own, India stepped up and evacuated not only Indians but also people of other nations under the Vande Bharat mission

Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reaches AIIMS to witness the launch of the vaccination programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

PM Modi launches nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive via video conference

Odisha: District Headquarters Hospital in Sambalpur district is all set to begin the first phase of vaccination drive against COVID-19

India to launch Covid-19 vaccination drive shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch the pan-India rollout of COVID-19 vaccination drive shortly, through video conference

Jharkhand reported one more fatality due to COVID-19, pushing the death toll to 1,049, while the tally mounted to 1,17,480 with 96 fresh cases, a
health department official said. The death was reported from state capital Ranchi, he said late on Friday.

It also registered the maximum number of fresh cases at 33, followed by East Singhbhum (17) and Palamu (11). 

Jharkhand now has 1,289 active coronavirus cases, while 1,15,142 people have recovered from the disease so far, the official said.

Assam's COVID-19 toll mounted to 1,066 with one more person succumbing to the virus, while 15 fresh cases pushed the tally to 2,16,777, the National
Health Mission said in a bulletin. The number of new infections, the lowest since May 18, were detected out of 8,400 tests, which was also considerably
lower than the daily figure due to the ongoing Bhogali Bihu festival in the state, it said late on Friday.

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute is all set to start the first phase of vaccination in the state capital.

India reported 15,158 new COVID-19 cases, 16,977 discharges and 175 deaths in last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.

• Total cases: 1,05,42,841
• Active cases: 2,11,033 
• Total discharges: 1,01,79715 
• Death toll: 1,52,093

Health workers clap and cheer as COVID-19 vaccine reaches the vaccination centre at Cooper hospital in Mumbai.

With the addition of 297 fresh coronavirus positive cases in the last 24 hours, the overall infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra mounted to
2,48,809, an official said on Saturday. The death toll in the district, which is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan region (MMR), rose to 6,049 with the viral
disease claiming lives of six more persons, he said.

Thane district's mortality rate stands at 2.43 per cent, the official added. He said 2,38,678 patients have recovered from COVID-19 disease so far in Thane district, which took the recovery rate to 95.93 per cent. The number of active cases is 4,082.

Countrywide vaccination drive against COVID-19 to begin today.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will visit AIIMS to witness the launch of the vaccination programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 10.30 am.

India to begin a nationwide vaccination drive against COVID-19 today, to be launched by PM Narendra Modi at 10:30 am via video conferencing.