Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19  vaccine at AIIMS, New Delhi as he kick-started the second phase of the nationwide vaccination against the coronavirus.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!"

India expanded its COVID-19 vaccination programme on Monday to cover people above 60 years and those aged 45 and above with co-morbidities. In the second phase, India hopes to vaccinate 30 crore people by August.

In the first phase, 1.43 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines - Covishield and Covaxin - were administered to healthcare and frontline workers.