“Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious free vaccination drive aims to immunize all eligible residents against COVID-19, expanding access to booster doses and targeting underserved areas. With over 35 crore doses administered, the state is intensifying efforts through mobile units and awareness campaigns to combat hesitancy and ensure comprehensive coverage, reinforcing its commitment to public health amid evolving challenges.”
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Free Vaccination Campaign for All
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has ramped up its free COVID-19 vaccination drive, aiming to achieve universal coverage across its diverse population. As of August 2025, the state has administered over 35 crore vaccine doses, covering approximately 95% of its eligible population with at least one dose and 88% with two doses, according to data from the Uttar Pradesh Health Department. This milestone places UP among the top-performing states in India’s vaccination efforts, despite its massive population of over 24 crore.
The state government has prioritized accessibility, deploying mobile vaccination units to remote and rural areas, particularly in districts like Bahraich, Shravasti, and Balrampur, where healthcare infrastructure is limited. These units, equipped with cold-chain facilities, have vaccinated over 2 lakh people in hard-to-reach areas since June 2025. The initiative builds on the success of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which has been a cornerstone of public health since 1985.
To address vaccine hesitancy, a significant challenge in rural UP, the government has launched targeted awareness campaigns. Community health workers, known as ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), are conducting door-to-door outreach, dispelling myths and encouraging uptake. In districts like Moradabad and Muzaffarnagar, where hesitancy was initially high due to misinformation, vaccination rates have risen by 15% since early 2025, per state health reports.
The drive also includes free booster doses for all adults, following the central government’s directive in July 2022 to expand precaution dose access. Private hospitals, previously charging for boosters, are now integrated into the free program, with the state reimbursing costs to ensure equity. Over 5 crore booster doses have been administered in UP, with a focus on vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Innovative measures, such as drone deliveries of vaccines to flood-prone areas during the monsoon season, have ensured continuity. In July 2025, drones delivered 10,000 doses to villages in Gorakhpur and Deoria, overcoming logistical barriers. The state has also leveraged the CoWIN platform to streamline appointments and track progress, with 80% of bookings now done digitally.
Challenges remain, including supply chain constraints and the need for sustained public engagement. Health officials are optimistic, citing UP’s robust infrastructure of 20,000 vaccination centers and a workforce of 1.5 lakh health workers. The state aims to achieve 100% coverage for all eligible residents by mid-2026, aligning with India’s broader goal of sustained immunity against COVID-19 and other preventable diseases.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from the Uttar Pradesh Health Department, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and recent media reports. Data is accurate as of August 2025. For the latest updates, refer to official government health portals.