Question : Vaccination Target of COVID Vaccine Policy

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the targets set and timeline fixed for COVID Vaccination on monthly and daily basis, post implementation of the latest COVID vaccine policy;
(b) the current rate of vaccination and shortfall therein in achieving the daily targets, State/UT-wise
(c) whether the Government has adequate stock of COVID vaccines for future supply expected to help meet targets, if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons thereof and the steps taken to replenish the shortfall;
(e) whether the Government proposes to integrate COVID vaccination with Universal Immunisation programme and Mission Indradhanush for immunization of children, if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the details of the special vaccination drive started for priority groups along with persons vaccinated in those groups whose gap between vaccine doses have been reduced, State/UT-wise?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)


(a) to (e): The projected population of 18+ year persons in the country is 94 crore. The COVID-19 vaccination is an ongoing and dynamic process, which is being guided by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) on the basis of concurrent scientific evidence. It is expected that eligible beneficiaries aged 18 years and above will be vaccinated by December 2021.
As on 26th July 2021, a total of 43.51 crore doses has been administered.
The State/UT-wise coverage of eligible beneficiaries with 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine is placed at Annexure-1.
The Government of India has made all arrangements to secure COVID-19 vaccines for the eligible beneficiaries as per production and the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. It is expected that adequate quantity of Covid vaccine will be available between January 2021 to December 2021 to vaccinate eligible beneficiaries aged 18 years and above.
The COVID-19 vaccination is guided by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) on the basis of concurrent scientific evidence. Presently, the COVID-19 vaccines being used under the National COVID-19 Vaccination Drive in the country have been granted permission for use in adults only, i.e. persons aged 18 years and above.
(f): As per the recommendation of National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), the National COVID-19 Vaccination Drive commenced with prioritized groups of Health Care Workers & Front Line Workers, followed by persons above 60 years of age and above 45 years of age, since 1st May 2021, all citizens aged 18 years and above are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The COVID Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommended extension of the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks based on available scientific evidence particularly from the United Kingdom as well as WHO global guidance. This recommendation has been considered and also recommended by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC).
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accepted this recommendation for extension of the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks and issued guideline to all States/UTs for its implementation from 13th May 2021
Prior to 13th May 2021, priority group i.e. Health Care Worker and Front Line Workers were receiving Covishield vaccine doses at 6-8 weeks’ interval.
The State/UT-wise details of the number of persons vaccinated for 2nd dose of Covishield prior to 13th May 2021 among priority group i.e HCWs and FLWs is at Annexure- 2.