Srinagar, Mar 1 (UNI) Asserting that elderly people need the COVID-19 vaccine before younger generation, former chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said it is not an emotional thing, but based on cold hard facts and scientific data.

The former chief minister was responding to comments by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who said the COVID-19 vaccine should be given to youngsters, who have longer life as opposed to him.

Mr Abdullah, who is the Vice President of National Conference (NC), said people, especially who are more vulnerable, should be encouraged to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

“My parents & people in their age group need the vaccine before I do & I need it before Gen Y & Gen Z get theirs. It’s not an emotional thing, it’s based on cold hard facts & scientific data. We should be encouraging people to get vaccinated & especially among the more vulnerable,” Mr Abdullah wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

“I am above 70 years of age. The vaccine should be given to youngsters who have longer life as opposed to me. I hardy have 10-15 more years left in me,” Mr Kharge said.
Prime Minister Narendra was on Monday vaccinated against the Coronavirus disease at New Delhi's the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
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