As India on Sunday achieved the feat of administering 2 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses, a journey which took 18 months since its commencement. Congratulating citizens on achieving the feat, PM Narendra Modi said, “India creates history again! Congrats to all Indians on crossing the special figure of 2 billion vaccine doses. Proud of those who contributed to making India’s vaccination drive unparalleled in scale and speed. This has strengthened the global fight against Covid-19.”
While 98% of India’s adult population has received at least one dose of Covid jab, 90% have been fully vaccinated. Besides, 82% of adolescents aged 15 to 18 years have also been vaccinated with the first dose while 68% have got both the first and second dose. Among those aged 12-14 years, 81% have taken the first dose while 56% are fully vaccinated.
In another post,PM Modi added, “Throughout the rollout of the vaccine, the people of India have shown remarkable faith in science. Our doctors, nurses, frontline workers, scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs have played a key role in ensuring a safer planet. I appreciate their spirit and determination. ”
Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated the people on achieving this landmark in only 18 months and said that this extraordinary achievement will be etched in history.
“Congratulations India! With everyone’s efforts, the country has crossed the figure of 2 billion vaccines today. India has scripted history under PM @NarendraModi Ji’s visionary leadership. This extraordinary achievement will be etched in the history!” Mandaviya said in a tweet. Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar also thanked healthcare workers for their hard work and vision.
On Saturday, a total of over 25,00,000 jabs were administered till 8.30pm, which included over 18,00,000 precaution doses.
