More than 19.91 crore balance and unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with States and Union Territories (UTs) to be administered, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its official statement on Saturday.
In an address to the nation, he also announced that precaution doses would be available from January 10 for healthcare and frontline workers as also for those with comorbidities and above the age of 60 on the recommendation of their doctors.
In addition to being highly effective in preventing Covid illness of any severity, the vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate and severe disease that required hospitalisation, revealed the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The vaccine -- DIOS-CoVax -- administered through a jet of air uses different technology to fight the disease, which could provide much broader protection against Covid variants and other coronaviruses, the BBC reported.
The move came amid Pfizer's request to the regulators of the US and Europe for approving a booster dose of its vaccine.
"I salute Bhosale's wife and family for supporting his selfless work! He showed us how a simple act of care can change the lives of those who need it."
