12 crore Covid vaccine doses to be available in June : Health Ministry

The statement has come amid concerns over the slowing pace of vaccination in India.

In May a total of nearly 8 crore doses were given to  states and Union Territories. The allocation for June is a 50 per cent jump from the previous figure.

About 6.09 crore doses will be provided for free to Union Territories and states in June for the inoculation of healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged above 45 years, according to a release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,

For direct procurement by states, Union Territories and private hospitals another 5.86 crore shots will be available

"Therefore, in June 2021 close to 12 crore (11,95,70,000) doses will be available for the national COVID vaccination programme," says the release.

According to the release, In May, the states were given more than 4.03 crore free doses. and more than 3.90 crore doses were supplied for direct procurement by states and private hospitals.

States have been informed well in advance about the availability and a delivery schedule of vaccine doses will be shared with them for June

"The allocation of Govt. of India supplies to States/UTs is decided on the consumption pattern, population and vaccine wastage. Visibility for availability of vaccines for the entire month of June 2021 has been provided well in advance to States/UTs by Union Government as communicated to States and UTs vide letters of Union Health Ministry dated 17th May 2021, 27th May 2021 and 29th May 2021," the release said.

"The delivery schedule for this allocation will be shared in advance. States have been requested to direct the concerned officials to ensure rational and judicious utilization of allocated doses and minimize the vaccine wastage," it added.

The ministry said the states and Union Territories have been informed about the number of free doses and the number of doses available for direct procurement to ensure better planning and delivery.