Government has given a fresh order for vaccines to achieve Universalization of Vaccination. Forty four crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be available till December this year. Out of this, 25 crore doses of Covishield and 19 crore of Covaxin to be procured. The Union Government has been supporting the efforts of States and UTs for an effective Vaccination drive under the Whole of Government approach since 16th January this year.
Based on the various representations received by the Union Government, the vaccination for all adults above 18 years of age was opened with the onset of Liberalized Phase III of India’s vaccination strategy on May 1st. With the aim to further universalize the countrywide vaccination drive, all citizens above 18 years of age can receive the COVID-19 vaccine doses free of cost at Government health facilities.
In immediate follow-up of the Prime Minister’s announcement of these changes in the Guidelines of National COVID Vaccination program yesterday, the Union Health Ministry has placed an order with Serum Institute of India for 25 crore doses of Covishield and with Bharat Biotech for 19 crore doses of Covaxin.
Additionally, 30 per cent of the advance for procurement of both the COVID Vaccines has been released to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech.