The Indian government has begun identifying about 300 million people who would be given the coronavirus vaccine first when it is ready.

The Times of India said that frontline health and sanitation workers, police officials and elderly people with co-morbidities will get the vaccine on priority.

The plan, which is still in the draft stage, aims to cover 23 per cent of the population in the first phase. The final plan is likely to be ready by end October-November, the report said. The selected individuals will be given an estimated 600 million doses.