CM Amarinder Singh announces, ‘will take first shot of Covid-19 vaccine in Punjab’

New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday declared that he will take the first shot of the vaccine in the state, once it is cleared by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

According to official release, Punjab CM made this announcement at the virtual Cabinet meeting held to discuss Covid-19 situation and the state’s preparedness to roll out the vaccine.

It may be noted that few days before, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij got himself administered a trial dose of Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covaxin’ at an Ambala hospital.

“It is a matter of pride for India that a company of India has developed a vaccine for coronavirus. Two successful trials have been done and the third phase has begun today. I offer to be the first volunteer so that people without any fear can come forward for vaccination trials. If everything goes well, this vaccine will be in the market soon,” Vij had told media.

Punjab government has reportedly compiled data for prioritisation of vaccination in the state. According to Punjab Health Secretary, state govt has compiled data of 1.25 lakh govt & private healthcare workers who will be vaccinated in the 1st phase. Approximately 23% which is 70 lakh of the state’s population, estimated at around 3 crore, will be vaccinated in terms of the government guidelines on vaccine prioritisation, he added.

“Following a review of the available facilities, the state has requested the Centre for certain additional cold chain equipment, including vaccine vans, deep freezers, ice-lined refrigerators, cold boxes, vaccine carriers, ice packs, thermometers and stabilisers,” said the official release.