Despite scepticism surrounding the Indian Covid-19 vaccine 'Covaxin,' developed by Bharat Biotech, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr. C Vijayabaskar, who is also a medical practitioner and an IMA member, took the Covaxin shot in Chennai today.

Early this morning, the health minister announced that he was going to take the vaccine shot at 9 am on January 22. "I am doing this as a doctor and member of IMA, to instill confidence among Health Care Workers. I request all to get vaccinated and safeguard themselves from #COVID19," he had posted. A while after receiving the shot, Vijayabaskar posted a video of the event and urged people in the state to take the vaccine as well. "I got my covaxin shot! Thanks to the team @gmcrgggh for the seamless experience. Appeal everyone to do it when your turn comes. Let's end #Covid19 together." As per the Centre's union health ministry's guidelines, only healthcare professionals and frontline workers across the country will be administered the coronavirus vaccine dosages during the first phase.

On January 3, two vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved by India for restricted emergency use. In an attempt to instill confidence in people regarding the vaccine's safety, Vijayabaskar reportedly said, "I took the vaccine not as a minister but as a doctor. And I chose Covaxin for two reasons. Firstly, it is an indigenous vaccine (manufactured by Bharat Biotech). Secondly, only 907 people in the state have opted for this vaccine. I am the 908th person in the state to receive the vaccine. I wanted to convey the message to all healthcare workers that the vaccine is safe."

I got my covaxin shot! Thanks to the team @gmcrgggh for the seamless experience. Appeal everyone to do it when your turn comes. Let's end #Covid19 together. #COVIDVaccination @MoHFW_INDIA @drharshvardhan @CMOTamilNadu @RAKRI1 @ETRajan1 @TNDME1 @TNDPHPM pic.twitter.com/i3PZFW4no2

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) January 22, 2021