Coronavirus vaccine news highlights: Kolkata nurse loses consciousness after taking Covid-19 vaccine, hospitalised

The first Covid-19 vaccine shots in India were given on Saturday to nearly two lakh frontline healthcare and sanitary workers as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the world’s largest inoculation drive against the pandemic that has caused 1,52,093 deaths and upended millions of lives in the country. As Modi asserted that the two vaccines being deployed will ensure a “decisive victory” for India against the coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry said no case of post-inoculation hospitalisation has been reported so far and the vaccination drive was successful. Sanitation workers were the first to get the jabs in Delhi and some states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world's largest vaccination programme in India on Saturday. Over 3 lakh healthcare workers are set to be inoculated on the first day of the drive, which the government said that is "probably the beginning of the end" of Covid-19.

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Kolkata nurse loses consciousness after taking Covid vaccine, hospitalised

A 35-year-old nurse was admitted to the critical care unit (CCU) of a hospital in Kolkata after she lost consciousness within minutes of taking the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, officials said.

She is one of the 15,707 beneficiaries who were vaccinated across West Bengal during the day.

Thirteen other 'Adverse Event Following Immunisation' (AEFI) cases were also reported from various parts of the state but those were not serious, they said.

AEFI is any untoward medical occurrence following immunisation and might not have a relation with the vaccination process, officials said.

(PTI)

TMC MLAs, leaders get Covid-19 vaccine on day 1, spark row

Several Trinamool Congress leaders, including two MLAs, were among the people who received the COVID-19 vaccine in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district on Saturday, while many healthcare workers alleged that they could not get the jab though they were asked to come for it.

District health officials said that these leaders are all associated with different hospitals as members of the Patients' Welfare Committees, making them eligible for the vaccination programme in the first round.

The vaccination drive at the Bhatar State General Hospital began with local TMC MLA Subhash Mondal getting the first shot. Later, former TMC MLA Banamali Hazra, Zilla Parishad Karmadakshya Jahar Bagdi and Bhatar Panchayat Samity Public Health in-charge Mahendra Hazra also received the vaccine.

(PTI)

India rolls out world's largest vaccination drive against COVID-19, nearly 2 lakh get shots on day 1

The first COVID-19 vaccine shots in India were given on Saturday to nearly two lakh frontline healthcare and sanitary workers as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the world’s largest inoculation drive against the pandemic that has caused 1,52,093 deaths and upended millions of lives in the country.

As Modi asserted that the two vaccines being deployed will ensure a “decisive victory” for India against the coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry said no case of post-inoculation hospitalisation has been reported so far and the vaccination drive was successful. Sanitation workers were the first to get the jabs in Delhi and some states.

A sense of joy and excitement was witnessed at medical centres across the country with the beneficiaries being administered the Covishield and Covaxin vaccines less than a year after India recorded the first coronavirus case in Kerala on January 30 last.

"These vaccines will ensure a decisive victory for India against coronavirus," Modi said amid a collective sigh of relief that the mass vaccination could finally be the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 trauma at a time when there is a significant drop in daily coronavirus cases.

(PTI)

2 healthcare workers who received COVID vaccine in Delhi face side effects

2 healthcare workers who received COVID vaccine at NDMC’s Charak Palika Hospital, Delhi faced mild adverse event post-vaccination.They suffered mild tightness in the chest. They were kept under observation by AEFI team, discharged after 30mins when they felt normal: NDMC official

(ANI)

Bengaluru doctors share their experiences of receiving Covid-19 vaccines

As the nation saw the world's largest vaccination drive coming to life on January 16, health professionals who received it on the first day shared their experiences of being part of the landmark event.

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Experience was really good, feeling happy, says India’s 1st person who receives Covid-19 jab

India’s first coronavirus vaccine shot was administered to Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker, at AIIMS in Delhi on January 16

While speaking to ANI, Kumar said, “The experience was really good and I am feeling happy. People should not hesitate to vaccinate themselves.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched nation-wide vaccination drive against Covid-19 today via video-conferencing.

Covid-19 inoculation drive successfully conducted on first day: Health ministry

"A total of 3,351 sessions were held wherein 1,65,714 beneficiaries were vaccinated, as per provisional reports," Union health ministry Manohar Agnani said.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal presents a flower to a medic during the COVID-19 vaccination drive, at LNJP Hospital in New Delhi. Credit: @ArvindKejriwal

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

I'm happy that I took Covid-19 vaccine today: Chairman of Apollo Hospitals

"I'm happy that I took Covid-19 vaccine today. By the time I take 2nd shot, my immunity will increase. I hope everyone in India will also have the hope & confidence that "my turn will come, & I'll not hesitate in taking vaccine," said Prathap C Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals.

"At the forefront .. when the nation needed them most .. & deservedly at front of the line to receive #COVID19Vaccination ! At AIIMS Delhi, the drive started with our #CoronaWarrior Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker, who answered the call of duty even in times of great despair !" tweeted Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

Since it was the first day of vaccination, few issues came up- delay in uploading beneficiary list at some session sites and healthcare workers vaccinated though not scheduled for today's session; Resolutions provided for both the issues: Health Ministry

COVID19 | The healthcare workers in the forward field hospitals of the Army in Arunachal Pradesh were vaccinated today: Indian Army

Serum Institute of India-produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs: MoHFW

"Serum Institute of India-produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs. Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3351 sessions held across the country with both the vaccines: Health Ministry on Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Total vaccinators invovled across India were 16,755. Total beneficiaries vaccinated across India-1,65,714, the ministry said.

Will get vaccinated when people above 50 yrs of age will be administered vaccine: Harsh Vardhan

"There's a small section that is spreading rumours about vaccines, their utility, their safety, to mislead the people in society. But such a large number of people received vaccines today with great joy and enthusiasm, eminent doctors received the vaccine," said Union Health Minister.

"A debate has started that why are Health Ministers or people's representatives not taking vaccine. I was asked that why am I not taking vaccine? I told them that I'll wait for my turn, which will come when people above 50 yrs of age will be administered vaccine," Harsh Vardhan said.

A total of 374 beneficiaries were vaccinated at five session sites in Chandigarh today, says UT Administration

Covid warriors received COVID-19 vaccine shots at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt today. Vaccination conducted at Army Hospital (R&R), Armed Forces Clinic and Base Hospital: Indian Army

India under PM Modi has fought most successful battle against coronavirus in the world: Amit Shah

India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fought the most successful battle against coronavirus in the world, and with the beginning of the vaccination drive, the country has taken the fight against the pandemic to a final stage,Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

"The whole world for about a year has been fighting against corona, many people have lost lives.This was probably one of the toughest fights that humanity has fought, using knowledge, innovations and mutual cooperation," Shah said.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone of a new battalion campus of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) here, he said he was happy to state that India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership has fought the most successful battle against Covid-19 in the world.

Noting that during the initial days of the outbreak, some experts had expressed worry about a few countries, including India, on how they will manage with a huge population and not so prepared heath infrastructure, Shah said there was only lab in the country that could underake testing for the infection. "Today we have more than 2,000," he said.

(PTI)

Mahesh Sharma among first lawmakers to get COVID-19 vaccine

With a Covishield jab on his forearm, BJP leader and Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma on Saturday got vaccinated for coronavirus as a 'healthcare worker', becoming among the first parliamentarians in India to get inoculated for the infection.

Sharma, who is also a trained MBBS doctor, got vaccinated at 11 am at his Kailash Hospital in Noida Sector 27, hospital spokesperson V B Joshi told PTI.

The 61-year-old former Union minister was then kept in observation for 30 minutes at the hospital, Joshi said.

“The beginning of the end for Covid-19 has started today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the world's largest vaccination campaign. As a doctor, I have also got vaccinated for coronavirus. I am feeling absolutely fine. The vaccine is completely safe and all of you should get vaccinated,” Sharma tweeted in Hindi.

(PTI)

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Covid-19 vaccination at Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh, earlier today.

A matter of joy for all Indians that we have been able to take this battle to its last stage with the help of two made in India vaccines: Home Minister Amit Shah at Rapid Action Force centre's foundation stone laying ceremony in Bhadravathi, Karnataka

Covid-19 vaccine: 23 senior citizens die after taking Pfizer shot

Norway said Covid-19 vaccines may be too risky for the very old and terminally ill, the most cautious statement yet from a European health authority as countries assess the real-world side effects of the first shots to gain approval.

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First beneficiaries of Covid-19 immunisation drive express pride, urge people not to fall for rumours

"I felt absolutely normal when the jab was given. Drawing a blood from veins pricks more," Naveen Kumar, who works at the LNJP Hospital's administrative department, told PTI.

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Covid-19 vaccination drive: What people said

As India launched the world's largest vaccination drive against the coronavirus pandemic, showing the light at the end of a 10-month tunnel that upended millions of lives and livelihoods, here are some of the quotes from people who took the jab and ministers:

-- Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan: These vaccines are 'sanjivani' in our fight against this pandemic. We have won the battles against polio and small pox. Now, we have reached the decisive phase of winning the war against coronavirus.

-- Manish Kumar, first person in Delhi to get vaccine shot: Many of them (staff) were scared. So, I went to my seniors and said I should be given the vaccine first. I wanted to prove to my colleagues that there is no need to be scared.

-- Tamil Nadu CM K Palaniswami: Everyone should for sure get vaccinated. You and I have to get vaccinated. Those from your and my family too should get the vaccinated.

-- Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray: It is a revolutionary step we are taking today. I salute to the corona warriors who selflessly treated the COVID-19 patients when there was no remedy available.

-- Abdul Qayoom, security guard at Era Medical College in Uttar Pradesh: There was always fear in mind because of close proximity to coronavirus patients. But now I am feeling much safer.

-- Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja: The pandemic is not going to end after this vaccine. We still need to make sure that we follow the health protocol, including the use of masks, hand wash and social distancing. The immunity will be developed slowly.

-- Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla: It brings me great pride that #COVISHIELD is part of this historic effort & to endorse it's safety & efficacy, I join our health workers in taking the vaccine myself.

-- Ashokbhai, the first recipient of the vaccine in Gujarat: I didn't have any apprehension about getting this vaccine. Everyone should take it.

-- M K Sudarshan, chairperson of Karnataka government's Covid-19 technical advisory committee: Benefit of vaccination clearly outweighs the risk of disease.... I have taken the vaccine to give a message to people of country that the vaccine is safe and will be helpful.

(PTI)

SII CEO Poonawalla receives shot of Covishield vaccine

Serum Institute of India (SII), CEO Adar Poonawalla received a COVISHIELD vaccine shot on January 16. COVISHIELD vaccine is manufactured by SII.

India has approved 2 vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched nation-wide vaccination drive against Covid-19 via video-conferencing.

Chhattisgarh: Covid-19 vaccine was welcomed with flowers, band, firecrackers & 'puja' when it arrived in Jashpur y'day. Workers of Health Dept walked up to Jai Stambh Chowk to receive the vehicle that carried vaccine.

Chhattisgarh: A healthcare worker received the first shot of Covid-19 vaccine at Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College in Raipur, today

India starts huge Covid-19 vaccine drive as global virus deaths top 2 million

India kicked off one of the world's largest coronavirus vaccination drives Saturday as the pandemic spread at a record pace and global Covid-19 deaths surged past two million.

The World Health Organization has called for accelerating vaccine rollouts worldwide as well as ramping up efforts to study the sequencing of the virus, which has infected more than 93 million people globally since it was first detected in China in late 2019.

India, home to 1.3 billion people, has the world's second-largest caseload.

The government has given approvals to two vaccines -- though one is yet to complete clinical trials -- aiming to inoculate around 300 million people by July.

(AFP)

Tamil Nadu: Health workers receive Covid-19 vaccine shots in presence of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at Chennai's Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital today.

A healthcare worker looks on as a nurse prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca's COVISHIELD vaccine, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaign, at a medical centre in Mumbai, India, January 16, 2021. Credit: REUTERS

West Bengal: Covid-19 vaccination drive underway in Kolkata, visuals from Medical College Kolkata.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, visited the COVID19 vaccination site at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, today

Chief Minister Hemant Soren visits Covid-19 vaccination site at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi

"A number of doctors, health and sanitation workers have been vaccinated today. There are 48 vaccination centres in the state," says CM.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, visited the Covid-19 vaccination site at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, today.

Resident Doctors' Association of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi requests medical superintendent to vaccinate them with Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, expresses apprehension about Covaxin

Bharat Biotech to pay compensation if Covaxin causes side effects

Bharat Biotech, which has received a government purchase order for the 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.

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Vaccines have been approved only after testing. I say this confidently that the vaccines will benefit everyone: G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs, in Hyderabad

I request people to not say such things. Medicines tested in other countries are considered good but when our scientists toil & develop made in India medicines, people view it like that. I request not to discuss things like this: MoS Home on doubts over efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines

(ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh visits Civil Hospital in Mohali to inspect the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination drive today.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Union ministers laud launch of coronavirus vaccination drive

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.

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Sweeper, nurses among first recipients to get Covid-19 vaccine in Andhra Pradesh

A government hospital sweeper and nurses were among the first recipients of Covid-19 vaccine in Andhra Pradesh as the programme was launched in the state on Saturday by Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

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Covid-19 vaccines are 'Sanjivani' in fight against pandemic: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday described the Covid-19 vaccines as 'Sanjivani' in the fight against the infectious disease as he urged people not to pay heed to hearsay and instead believe in experts and scientists.

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Covid-19 vaccine drive Phase I begins at 243 sites in Karnataka

The first phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive began at 243 sites across the state, including 10 in Bengaluru on Saturday.

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Tamil Nadu rolls out Covid-19 vaccinations, govt doctor gets first shot

Tamil Nadu on Saturday rolled out the Covid-19 vaccination drive at 166 sites across the state with a government doctor here becoming the first to be administered the shot.

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Depression, stress may reduce efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, scientists say

Depression, stress and loneliness can weaken the body’s immune system, and lower the effectiveness of certain vaccines, including the new Covid-19 preventives that are in development and the early stages of global distribution, scientists say.

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Follow Covid-19 protocols during vaccination process, urges Ashok Gehlot

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-19 related protocols: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

Do I need to wear a mask even after getting Covid-19 shot?

India haslaunchedthe world's largest vaccination drive against Covid-19. As is the case elsewhere, there are scepticism, rumours and questions surroundingthe vaccines, and one such question is whether one can stop wearing a face mask after receiving the vaccine.

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Uddhav Thackeray inaugurates vaccination centre in at BKC, Mumbai

The Covid-19 vaccination drive started at Integrated Family Health Centre and Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram "My message for people is that wait for your turn but come forward for the vaccination," said Dr Navjot Singh Khosa, District Collector.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat witnesses vaccine administration and interacts with the beneficiaries at Doon Medical College in Dehradun

Serum Institute of India's CEO Adar Poonawalla gets coronavirus vaccination shot

Have confidence in our researchers, scientists: 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

8,100 people will get the vaccine at 81 vaccination centres in Delhi, says Kejriwal

8,100 people will get the vaccine at 81 vaccination centres in Delhi. I appeal to the people not to pay heed to rumours. Experts have said that the vaccines are safe: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after witnessing vaccine administration at LNJP hospital

The vaccine has brought us hope: Sanitation worker in J&K

The Covid-19 vaccination drive underway at Jammu Medical College & Hospital "We faced several hardships while performing Covid-19 duties during the pandemic. I didn't even go home for 6-7 months. The vaccine has brought us hope," said a sanitation worker.

This 'Made in India' vaccine represents the determination of this self-reliant India: Shah

This 'new India' led by Modi Ji is an India that transforms disasters into opportunities and challenges into achievements. This 'Made in India' vaccine represents the determination of this self-reliant India. On this historic day, I bow to all our Corona warriors: Amit Shah

Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy (87) took the first shot of Covishield vaccine at the Apollo Hospitals Vaccination Center in Chennai

Have written to the PM to request free vaccine for the lower-income group: Amarinder Singh

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

All you need to know about SII’s Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin

The government on Saturday launched one of the world's biggest vaccination programmes with shots manufactured in India - one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, the other by Bharat Biotech International Ltd with a state-run institute.

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This is biggest immunisation campaign against Covid-19 anywhere in the world: Harsh Vardhan

This is probably the biggest immunisation campaign against Covid-19 anywhere in the world. India has tremendous experience in handling such issues. We have already eradicated polio and smallpox: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray launches Covid-19 vaccination drive in the state

Gujarat: The Covid-19 vaccination drives begin at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad in presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani & Deputy CM Nitin Patel

Timeline | India's journey from coronavirus to vaccine

India on Saturday launched one of the most ambitious nationwide campaigns in its history: The rollout of coronavirus vaccines to 1.3 billion people, an undertaking that will stretch from the perilous reaches of the Himalayas to the dense jungles of the nation’s southern tip.

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Covid-19 vaccine inoculation commences in 13 centres in Belagavi

BIMS staff Ramesh Kumbhar being administered Covid-19 jab in the presence of MLAs Abhay Patil and Anil Benake at District Hospital in Belagavi on Saturday. DH photo by Eknath Agasimani.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan shows a dose of COVAXIN developed by Bharat Biotech

'Very happy and satisfied today': Harsh Vardhan says as he overlooks vaccination drive at AIIMS

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

A group D worker become first recipient of coronavirus vaccine in Bengaluru, Karnataka

A group D worker named Nagarathna at Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) Hospital became the first recipient of Covishield vaccine in Karnataka at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in the presence of the CM and other ministers.

WATCH | Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker gets first coronavirus vaccination shot

AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria receives Covid-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS, Delhi

First vaccination done at AIIMS Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Vardhan

Dawai bhi, Kadaai bhi: PM during launch of Covid-19 vaccination drive

Start of vaccination does not mean people should stop following the Covid protocols of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. We must take another vow - Dawai bhi, Kadaai bhi: PM Modi during the launch of nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive

Watch | PM Modi flags off India's vaccination drive

Can you contract Covid-19 from the vaccine? Harsh Vardhan clarifies

As India gears up for a massive Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 16, many have expressed concerns over the vaccination process and raised doubts over its impact and side-effects.

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We could not bid adieu to those with proper rituals who died due to the virus, remembers PM Modi

This disease kept people away from their families. The mothers cried for their children & 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: PM Modi

India's vaccines enjoy global credibility because of their track record: PM Modi

Today when we take a look at the last year, we realise that we have learnt a lot as a person, a family and as a nation: PM Narendra Modi

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 & evacuated not only Indians but also people of other nations under Vande Bharat mission: PM Modi

Our vaccination programme driven by humanitarian concerns, those exposed to maximum risk get priority: PM Modi

Such a vaccination drive at such a massive scale was never conducted in history, says Modi

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 & India is administering vaccination to 3 crore people in the first phase only. In second phase, we've to take this number to 30 crores: PM

Do no make the mistake of taking off the mask while getting vaccinated: PM Modi

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: PM Narendra Modi

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: PM Narendra Modi

Everyone was asking as to when the vaccine will be available. It is available now. I congratulate all the countrymen on this occasion: PM Narendra Modi

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

India to launch Covid-19 vaccination drive shortly; visuals from Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan

The staff of SSKM Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata gets ready for the launch of Covid-19 vaccination drive

Sadar Hospital in Ranchi all set for the launch of the Covid-19 vaccination drive

Telangana hospital decorated ahead of nationwide vaccine rollout

Covid-19 vaccination starts in India: 10 things to know

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday rolled out the world's biggest vaccination programme. In the first day of the vaccination drive, over 3 lakh healthcare workers will be inoculated.

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4,000 health workers to get Covid-19 vaccine in Mumbai daily

As many as 4,000 health workers will be administered COVID-19 vaccine every day at nine vaccination centres in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Friday.

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Vaccination to start at 285 centres in Maharashtra on January 16

The Covid-19 vaccination drive will start at 285 centres across Maharashtra on Saturday, a health official said.

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West Bengal ready for Covid-19 vaccination drive; CM Mamata Banerjee to monitor exercise

West Bengal is all set for the much-awaited COVID-19 inoculation drive commencing from Saturday and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will supervise the exercise virtually from the state secretariat, an official said here.

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World may never find Covid-19 patient zero: WHO

The world may never find "patient zero" in its search for the origins of Covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, World Health Organization's technical lead on the disease, said on Friday.

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Covid-19: Dr Reddy's gets DCGI nod to conduct phase 3 clinical trials for Sputnik V vaccine

Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday said it has received approval from the Drugs Control General of India (DCGI) to conduct phase 3 clinical trial for the Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19.

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A much-awaited day, with hope and doubts

Despite all preparations, the programme faces challenges and some reservations and apprehensions. The role of the government’s Covid-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system, which is “a digitalised platform to track the enlisted beneficiaries for vaccination on a real-time basis” is crucial in the exercise.

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India set to roll-out world's biggest vaccination drive against Covid-19 on January 16

Indiais all set to roll out the world's biggest vaccination programme on Saturday with over 3 lakh healthcare workers to be inoculated on the first day of the much-anticipateddrive, which the government said is "probably the beginning of the end" of Covid-19.

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Covid vaccination drive set to begin under shadow of doubt over Covaxin efficacy

The Union Health Ministry’s last-minute 180 degrees turn on Covaxin – an indigenous Covid-19 vaccine - has generated concerns among doctors and healthcare workers as a section of them are reluctant to accept it without the efficacy data even as India is set to publicly roll out the two shots, Covishield and Covaxin, on Saturday in the world’s largest adult vaccination drive.

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Have no fear, say those who would be first to get the Covid-19 vaccine in Madhya Pradesh

Haridev Yadav and Asha Pawar, who would be among the first to receive Covid-19 vaccine in Madhya Pradesh, are confident that it is the right thing to do.

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Welcome to Deccan Herald's live updates on coronavirus vaccine rollout in India. Stay tuned!