From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Nov 21: Though top priority should be given to high-risk population groups including frontline workers managing the outbreak while distributing COVID vaccine, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said he would be the last person to get vaccinated.

"If you ask me about vaccines, I would be the last person to get vaccinated for any pandemic including COVID-19,’’ he said in a virtual interaction Bengaluru Tech Summit 2020 on Saturday.

“I would address the reason why I am saying this later. But, top priority should be accorded to high-risk population groups like policemen, doctors, and marginalized workers among others. They should get the vaccine first to arrest the pandemic in India," he said.

Sadhguru said the vaccine should also be given to vulnerable people and the elderly who are at a greater risk of developing severe disease because of low immunity and comorbidities.

The Indian Government has drafted a document regarding the administration of vaccines, and it has already been shared with state governments for gathering inputs from them.

The government is also in the process of finalizing the databases of various priority population groups that will be administered the vaccine if and when it becomes available, he said.

Referring to his statement that he would be the last person to get vaccinated, Sadhguru, in a conversation with Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization Dr Soumya Swaminathan in October 2019, Sadhguru had cautioned about the side-effects or negative impacts of vaccinations.

"The significance of vaccination against many debilitating diseases should not be played down. But at the same time, it is important it is not overdone, without taking into consideration the many side-effects or negative impacts of vaccinations," he said.

Sadhguru had also said that WHO should tell parents about what vaccines are a must and what is a choice.

"I feel WHO should tell parents that this much is not needed – these vaccines are compulsory, and the rest are by choice. If it is made like that, I think there will be a more healthy proportion," he said.

However, vaccines have brought power and well-being to people's lives, he had said.

"Most of us are sitting here because we were vaccinated. Otherwise, we would definitely not be here," he added.