[BREAKING] 135 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses projected to be available in India between August to December 2021: Central Govt to Supreme Court

The Central government has informed the Supreme Court that between August 2021 and December 2021, a total of 135 crore vaccines will be available in India.

This figure projected by the Central government, if it materialises, will ensure complete vaccination for entire eligible population by the end of 2021.

Out of the 135 crore, 50 crore will be Covishield while 40 crore will be Covaxin.

The numbers for Russian made Sputnik V vaccine is estimated at 10 crores.

Another 30 crore will be Bio E Sub unit vaccine while 5 crore will be Zydus Cadila DNA vaccine, the affidavit filed by the Central government said.

However, both these vaccines are yet to get approval though the Centre submitted that the same will happen in near future.

The affidavit was filed in the suo motu case on COVID-19 management initiated by the top court.

A three-judge Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao and Ravindra Bhat hearing the matter had critiqued the vaccination policy of the government and termed it as "arbitrary."

The affidavit also said that between January 2021 and July 31, 2021, 51.6 crore vaccine doses will be available.

Since the population to be vaccinated is 93 - 94 crore (population above 18), approximately 186.6 crore would be needed to give two doses to all.

Since 51.6 crore vaccine doses would be administered by July 31, that would leave the country with a requirement of 135 crore more doses.

"It is most respectfully submitted that as per the projected midyear population for 2020, the total population of the country aged 18 years and above is approximately 93-94 crore. As such, administering two doses to these beneficiaries would require an estimated 186 to 188 crore vaccine doses. As shown in the table above, out of this requirement, 51.6 crore doses will be made available for administration by 31.07.2021 leaving a requirement of approximately 135 crore vaccine doses for complete vaccination to the eligible population," the affidavit said.

The same as per the Centre, will be available by year end.

"The above figure of 186 crore includes the aforesaid figure of 135 crores [break-up of which is given hereunder] for which necessary arrangements have been made [subject to the approval for the vaccination at item no. 3 and 4 which will come in near future]," the affidavit said.

The break-up of projected availability is as follows: