Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma gets 2nd shot of Covid vaccine

GUWAHATI: Assam's minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today took his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the state even as the number of virus cases continues to spiral across the country amid the second wave of the pandemic.

After taking his vaccine shot at the GMCH hospital here, the minister -- seeking re-election from Jalukbari for a fifth straight term -- urged the people eligible for vaccines to get their jabs.

"I took my second dose of #COVID19Vaccine vaccine today! I request all those who are eligible for vaccination to take their dose on time. Assam is all geared up to ensure vaccination to all eligible. Together, we shall win this battle against the pandemic," he wrote on his social media handles.

Sarma received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last month as the state government launched the third phase of the inoculation drive for senior citizens and people in the age group of 45-59 with comorbidities.

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The 52-year-old minister was administered the first dose of the vaccine at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital.

"As people above 45 years with co-morbidities are eligible, I took my first dose of #COVID19 vaccine at GMCH today. All those under this category are advised to take their doses", the minister tweeted.

An NHM bulletin on Wednesday said that a total of 12,74,347 people have so far received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine across the state and 2,74,254 persons have got the second dose of the vaccine.

This comes amid reports that due to the delay in the arrival of fresh stocks in the state, it has been reported that those due for a second jab have been turned away from the state-run hospitals and dispensaries where the shots are being administered.

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