The registration for COVID-19 vaccine, for citizens aged 18 and above, will start from April 28, 2021. The central government announced, from May 1 onwards, all adults in the country would be eligible to receive the vaccine.
Earlier, reports had erroneously claimed that the registration would begin from April 24. However, the Centre has clarified that the registration would start only on April 28 through the CoWIN platform or Aarogya Setu app.
“Don’t get misguided by rumours/news stating that registration for vaccination of 18+ citizens to start from 24th April 2021! The registrations will start on the #CoWIN platform and Aarogya Setu App from 28th April 2021 onwards. Stay informed, stay safe!
The rush at vaccination centres is expected to increase sharply in view of India’s ambitious move to expand the vaccination programme at a time when the country is reeling under a brutal second wave of infections.
How to register, book appointment on Co-WIN portal?
You can register via three routes: Advance Self-Registration, On-site Registration and Facilitated Cohort Registration. The On-Site Registration allows those who cannot self-register in advance to walk into the identified vaccination centre and get themselves registered on-site and then get vaccinated. For Facilitated Cohort Registration, the local administration will register for the beneficiaries.
How can I self-register?
Citizens will be able to register and book appointments for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through the Aarogya Setu app.
How to register and what documents are required?
A person needs to register with his or her mobile number on the Co-WIN 2.0 portal (can be accessed here – www.cowin.gov.in).
They need to fill details like name, date of birth, gender, upload a photo ID proof like Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card or Pension Card.
Once the registration process is completed successfully, the beneficiary receives a confirmation message. A person can add three more people linked with this mobile number by clicking on the “Add More” button.
How to book an appointment?
Eligible beneficiaries can schedule an appointment from the ‘Account Details’ page by clicking on ‘schedule appointment’ on the portal. You can search for the Vaccination Centre of choice by State, District, Block and Pin Code from the drop downs.
The beneficiary needs to click on the Vaccination Centre of choice, to get the dates and check for availability of slots. If a preferred slot is available, they can click on the ‘Book’ button. Then, an ‘Appointment Confirmation’ page will be displayed. Click on the ‘confirm’ button after verifying your details for final confirmation on booking. The scheduled appointment can be downloaded and saved.
What should I do if there are no slots?
If there are no availability of slots, then click on the button to check appointment slots for subsequent days/weeks or try another vaccination centre near you.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Once the appointment is fixed, it can be rescheduled at any later stage, but before the vaccination appointment day.
What about my second dose? Do I have to register again?
No. Once vaccinated for the first dose, the beneficiary will be automatically scheduled for another appointment for the second dose at the same centre on the 29th day after the first dose. If a beneficiary cancels a first dose appointment, then appointment of both doses will be cancelled. In case the user has moved to another city, appointments can be rescheduled for the nearest vaccination centre in that city.
What are the documents that I need to carry to the vaccination centre?
In addition to the appointment confirmation letter, a person must carry the photo ID listed on the Co-WIN 2.0 portal at the time of taking the vaccination.
Do I need to register and get an appointment only for private facilities?
Registration and an appointment needs to be taken for both the private as well as government hospitals.