The Covid-19 pandemic hit India in March last year. As a result, the nation went into a lockdown for months with strict social distancing norms in place. As the year moved towards its end, the situation began to improve, and the number of active cases started going down gradually. Finally, in December 2020, the Government of India introduced the vaccine for coronavirus, and in January 2021, it started the biggest vaccination drive to make its citizens immune to the virus.
During the first phase of the vaccination, healthcare workers and other frontline warriors, who helped fight the pandemic, got the vaccine shot. During the second phase, citizens above 60 and those above 45 with co-morbidities were eligible to get the vaccine. During the third phase, the Government extended the vaccination drive for all citizens between 45 to 59 years of age.
On April 22, the Government of India announced the fourth phase of its vaccination drive, in which people aged between 18 to 45 years would be eligible for the vaccine. As per Government guidelines, pre-registration on the CoWIN app or web portal is mandatory for everyone willing to get the coronavirus vaccine shot.
The registration for the fourth phase of vaccination started on April 28, and from May 1 2021, the eligible citizens can take the vaccine shot. So, in case you fall within the age group of 18 to 45 and haven't yet registered for coronavirus vaccination, you should do it without further delay. In this article, we will tell you how you can do so.
We've also listed valuable tips along with dos and don'ts for successful registration and vaccination. Continue reading.
How to register yourself for the vaccine?
You can register yourself to get your first dose of vaccine through the CoWIN app/website or through the Arogya Setu app. You can then choose a vaccination slot at a centre/hospital near you.
Steps to register yourself on the CoWIN app or website:
- Step 1 – Download the CoWIN app on your smartphone via Google Play Store or Apple's App Store
- Step 2 – Alternatively, visit the CoWIN website and click on "Register/Sign In Yourself"
- Step 2 – Enter your mobile number to receive OTP
- Step 3 – Enter the OTP your received on your mobile number and click on "Verify"
- Step 4 – Fill in your personal details such as name, age, gender etc. on the registration page
- Step 5 – Enter your AADHAR card number and verify it using UIDAI OTP
- Step 6 – Select your vaccination centre and schedule an appointment for any available date
Steps to register yourself Aarogya Setu app:
- Step 1 – Download the "Aarogya Setu" app on your smartphone. In case you've already downloaded the app, make sure it's updated to the latest version.
- Step 2 – Register yourself on the app using your mobile number and OTP
- Step 3 – Click on "Vaccination" tab
- Step 4 – Register yourself for the vaccine by proving your Aadhar card number and verifying it.
- Step 5 – Select your vaccination centre and schedule an appointment for any available date
Tips to follow while registering yourself for the vaccine
Be patient and do not panic
It was reported that due to heavy traffic, the CoWIN app crashed on the first date of the registration. You need to be patient in such circumstances and avoid panicking. Also, to maintain social distancing norms, only a limited number of appointment slots are available at a vaccination centre for each date. Hence, if you're not getting an appointment, don't fret. Wait for your turn, and you'll get it.
Avoid going to the vaccination centre without registration
As we have already mentioned before, online pre-registration is mandatory for all those willing to get vaccinated during the fourth phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive in India. Hence, if you have not done your registration, avoid going to the vaccination centre. Understand that this is for your safety; unnecessary crowding at such places can become dangerous.
Keep multiple options in your hand
When it comes to your preferred vaccination centre, you should not be adamant about a fixed hospital. If you are not getting an appointment at your preferred venue, you can check out at other centres in your vicinity. To know the list of vaccination centres in your locality, you can visit the CoWIN portal, select "Vaccination Centres", and enter your state and district, or simply enter your PIN code.
Don't fret if you miss your appointment date
In case you miss your appointment date for the vaccination due to some unforeseen circumstances, don't think that it's the end of the road for you. You can always reschedule your appointment by logging into the CoWIN app or web portal and clicking on the "Edit" icon below the Action column against registered individuals.
In case you need to move to another city, you can select an appointment at a vaccination centre located in that city as well.
Do check the CoWIN portal before going to the vaccination centre.
All relevant details regarding a vaccination centre, such as availability of the stock, price per dose, and compliance management, are mentioned on the CoWIN platform. Hence, before you go to the centre for taking your vaccine shot, it's advisable to check the CoWIN portal and make sure the centre is functional, and doses are available there.