New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): The Central Government on Monday said that more than 12.07 crore balance and unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the States and Union Territories (UTs).

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, "More than 167.84 crores (1,67,84,78,485) vaccine doses have been provided to States and UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category."

Also Read | Weather Forecast: Dense Fog Engulfs Parts of North India; Temperature Fluctuations to Continue in Pune.

"More than 12.07 crore (12,07,42,566) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered," the Ministry said.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Mamata Banerjee To Embark on Two-day Visit to UP Today, Will Appeal People To Support Samajwadi Party.

The Centre has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination started on January 16, 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21, 2021. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)