An estimated 4 crore eligible beneficiaries have not taken even a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine as on July 18, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
A total of 1,78,38,52,566 vaccine doses (97.34 per cent) have been administered free of cost in Government Covid Vaccination Centres (CVCs) till July 18, she said in a written reply.
"As on 18th July, an estimated 4 crore eligible beneficiaries have not taken even a single dose of Covid vaccine," she said in response to a question on the number and percentage of people who have not taken even a single dose.
Precaution doses were available free of cost to healthcare workers (HCWs), frontline workers (FLWs) and all beneficiaries above 60 years of age, from March 16 this year in government CVCs and for 18-59 years age group from April 10 in private CVCs.
A special 75-day drive to administer precaution doses to all aged 18 years and above at government vaccination centres began from July 15.
The drive 'COVID Vaccination Amrit Mahotsava' aimed at boosting the uptake of Covid precaution doses among eligible population, is being held as part of the government's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence.
According to the health ministry officials, 98 per cent of India's adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 90 per cent have been fully vaccinated.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Over 30% Covaxin Takers Suffered Health Issues After A Year, Claims Study "A Very Big Source Of Covid Vaccines For World": Bill Gates Praises India Current Covid Strain Mild, 5-6 Million Covovax Doses Made: Adar Poonawalla "Thousand Times Better...": Delhi Lt Governor's Surprise For AAP's Atishi "Violation Of Sovereignty, Abuse Of Power": Kanwal Sibal On US Report On Adani Group "World War 3 Has Begun": Ukraine Ex-Military Commander Amid Russia Conflict Bushra Bibi Faces Non-Bailable Arrest Warrant In Corruption Case PM Modi Honoured With Global Peace Award For Indian-American Minority Welfare Indian Army Celebrates 77th Anniversary Of Poonch's Historic Link-Up Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.