‘Get vaccinated’: PM Modi urges youngsters in 12-14 age group to take COVID shot

New Delhi: As the Covid-19 vaccination for 12-14 age group and precaution dose for those above 60 years started on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all those falling under these age groups to get vaccinated.

In a series of tweets, the PM said, "Today is an important day in India's efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated."

Informing that India has administered over 180 crore doses, which includes over 9 crore doses in the age group of 15-17 and over 2 crore precaution doses, Modi said, "This forms an important protective shield for our citizens against Covid-19."

The PM lauded the state governments for their support towards India's vaccination drive. Several states, especially the hill states and those where tourism is important, have achieved near total vaccination coverage and several big states have also done well, he said.

The PM further said that India's vaccination efforts have made the global fight against Covid-19 stronger. "In line with India's ethos of caring for the entire planet, we sent vaccines to several nations under the 'Vaccine Maitri' programme," Modi said.

At the same time, Modi called upon people to keep following all Covid protocols.

As per the bulletin issued by the Union Health Ministry, India has administered 180.60 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine so far under the ongoing nationwide vaccination drive. (UNI)