Co-WIN Platform Has Facilitated Nearly 3 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Registrations: Health Ministry

Co-WIN, the platform for citizens to register themselves for the COVID-19 vaccine has facilitated nearly 3 million registrations since yesterday, when the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccinaton drive commenced in the country. The second phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive was kicked off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, when he took his dose of the vaccine at AIIMS in Delhi. During the second phase, citizens above the age of 60 years and 45-year-old or above suffering from certain medical conditions will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Co-WIN portal and app were made for citizens of India to register themselves for the vaccine. However, yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) clarified that the app is currently only meant for administrators and not beneficiaries. This means that people above 60 years of age and those over 45 with co-morbidities will need to register through the Co-WIN web portal. Speaking of the Co-WIN web portal, the website has been updated, and eligible beneficiaries can now register online. The first step of registration involves logging in via your 10-digit mobile number. After that, users will receive an OTP and will then need to register again by providing basic information and photo ID (Aadhaar card, driver’s license). Following that, select your nearby Vaccine Centre for COVID-19 vaccination and book the slot. Citizens can register as many as four family members with a single mobile number. As mentioned, the existing Aarogya Setu app will also seemingly get the same benefits. Recently, the app got a dedicated CoWIN section that provides statistics and access to links where beneficiaries can receive certificates.

How to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine via Co-WIN: A Step-by-Step Guide, In Photos

It appears that citizens cannot choose which vaccine they will get via the Co-WIN portal. They can choose the date and COVID-19 vaccine centre. Additionally, people aged above 45 years will have to upload a medical certificate mentioning their co-morbid conditions. Many private hospitals have also received certification to act as COVID-19 vaccine centres where they cannot charge more than Rs 250 per shot. COVID-19 vaccines are free of cost in government hospitals. Citizens who are not tech-savvy or do not own a smartphone can call the centre number — 1507. As mentioned, they can walk-in to the nearest centre and if there’s a vacancy.

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