UN Chief Receives 1st Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine in New York

On Thursday in New York, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to a release published on the UN's official website, Guterres got a vaccine shot at Adlai E Stevenson High School in The Bronx, a few miles uptown from UN Headquarters in New York, reports ANI.

Taking to Twitter, the UN chief said that he was fortunate and grateful to receive the shot, and urged the international community to ensure that vaccines become available to everyone on an equitable basis.

"With this pandemic, none of us are safe until all of us are safe," he wrote.

On the basis of his age, the 71-year-old UN Secretary-General was entitled to receive the vaccine as New York residents over the age of 65 are included in the current vaccination process in the region, which, according to the release, also includes school employees, first responders, public transit workers and grocery workers.

In December, Guterres declared that he would happily receive a vaccine in public, adding that vaccination is a moral obligation for him.

"Each one of us provides a service to the whole community", he said, "because there is no longer a risk of spreading the disease."

At a time when many countries are seeing a large proportion of their citizens voicing "vaccine hesitancy" read the release, media people were invited to witness the UN chief receiving his shot.

UN regional offices have noted a significant level of mistrust, said the report, adding that in some countries, around half the population are reportedly unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine at this stage.

The release cited the international affairs commissioner of New York City, Penny Abeywardena, as saying she was heartened that Guterres obtained his appointment online and received the vaccine in a public school, in the same way as many other residents of the city.

"This will go a long way in building trust in our communities that the vaccine is safe for all," she said.