This is about 50% higher than the number of Covid-19 vaccine doses for the month of May

Close to 12 crore (120 million) doses will be available for India's nationwide Covid-19 vaccination programme during June.

Of the 11,95,70,000 vaccine doses that will be available during the month, about 6.09 crore or 60.9 million (6,09,60,000) doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be supplied free of cost by the central government to States and Union Territories (UTs).

These vaccine doses will be for the vaccination of priority group of Health Care Workers (HCWs), Front-Line Workers (FLWs) and person aged 45 years and above, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Sunday.

The other half, amounting to more than 5.86 crore or 58.6 million (5,86,10,000) doses will be available for direct procurement by the state/UTs and private hospitals.

The number of Covid-19 vaccine doses that will be available in June is about 50% higher than the number for the month of May. According to the health ministry, a total number of 7,94,05,200 doses were available for national COVID vaccination programme in May.

This included more than 4.03 crore (4,03,49,830) vaccine doses made available by the Union Government to States, free of cost. More than 3.90 crore (3,90,55,370) doses was also available for direct procurement by the States as well as private hospitals.

While the health ministry has informed states and UTs about the number of Covid-19 vaccine doses that will be available in June, the delivery schedule for this allocation will be shared in advance.

"The basic objective behind informing the States/UTs in advance of the quantum of free vaccine doses to be made available from Govt of India for 15/30 days and the total vaccine doses which are available for direct procurement by States/UTs,is to ensurebetter planning and delivery of vaccine by States/UTs," the health ministry explained.

Under the 'Liberalized Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy' being implemented from May 1, 50% of the available doses are earmarked for supply to States and UTs, as free of cost supply through the Government of India channel.

The remaining 50% is available for direct procurement from the vaccine manufacturers by States/UTs and private hospitals.

The health ministry pointed out that "the allocation of Govt. of India supplies to States/UTs is decided on the consumption pattern, population and vaccine wastage".