Question : Launch of COVID Vaccine

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to make available COVID-19 vaccines across the country in a phased manner, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the schedule and priority for immunization programme and the per day target set for the said immunization;

(b) whether the Government has sufficient doses for immunization programme, if so, the details thereof and the time by which vaccine is likely to be made available throughout the country; and

(c) whether the existing cold storage facility is sufficient to store anti-COVID vaccine, if so, the details thereof and if not, the other steps taken by the Government to store additional vaccine?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): The COVID-19 vaccination has been rolled out in the country from 16th January 2021 in a phased manner starting with prioritised groups of Health Care Workers and Front Line Workers. The roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine is being done simultaneously across all States and UTs. The State/UT-wise supply of COVID-19 vaccines is Annexed.

(b): Yes, the Government has sufficient doses of COVID-19 vaccine available for the on-going phase of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

(c): The existing cold storage facilities under Universal Immunization Programme has been further strengthened and is being used for storing COVID-19 vaccine. The available storage space is sufficient to store COVID-19 vaccines already supplied to States/UTs.