The nationwide Covid-19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalisation of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the Covid-19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

More than 184.97 crore (1,84,97,44,495) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category.

More than 15.62 crore (15,62,61,306) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

(PIB)