India starts world’s largest coronavirus vaccination drive
NEW DELHI — India began inoculating health workers Saturday in what is likely the world’s largest Covid-19 vaccination campaign, joining the ranks of wealthier nations where the effort is already underway.Indian authorities hope to give shots to 300 million people, roughly the population of the United States. But there is no playbook for the enormity of the challenge.The recipients include 30 million doctors, nurses and other front-line workers to be followed by 270 million others, who are either aged over 50 or have illnesses that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus. For workers who have pulled India’s battered health care system through the pandemic, the shots offered confidence that life can start returning to normal.“I am excited that I am among the first to get the vaccine,” said nurse Gita Devi, as she lifted her sleeve to receive the shot.“I am happy to get an India made vaccine and we do not have to depend on others for it,” said Devi, who has treated patients throughout the pandemic in a hospital in Lucknow, the capital of heartland Uttar Pradesh state.Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted the campaign with a nationally televised speech.“We are launching the world’s biggest vaccination drive and it
