Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has received a first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, seeking to reassure Canadians it is safe despite very rare but serious blood clots in a handful of cases among millions vaccinated.

The Canadian leader arrived at an Ottawa pharmacy with his wife Sophie, took off his shirt in front of cameras, and told the masked woman giving out jabs that he was eager to receive it.

“As Ontario has invited people 40 and over to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in pharmacies, it is now our turn,” Trudeau, 49, earlier told a news conference.

“It is a relief to know that this simple gesture helps to protect oneself, but especially to protect those we love around us,” Trudeau was quoted as saying by AFP.