Covid-19 vaccine registration on CoWIN: All you need to know

The Covid-19 vaccination drive is underway across the country for people between the age of 18 and 44 and those aged above 45 years. If you are yet to take a jab and have queries about how to get vaccinated, then take a look at this article with FAQs about the registration process, cancelling and rescheduling appointments and similar other doubts.
Where can I register for the COVID-19 vaccination?
You can log into the Co-WIN portal using the link www.cowin.gov.in and click on the “Register/Sign In yourself” tab to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Is there a mobile app that needs to be installed to register for vaccination?
There is no authorised mobile app for registering for vaccination in India except Aarogya Setu. You need to log into the Co-WIN portal via the app. Alternatively, you can also register for vaccination through the Umang app.
Which age groups can register for vaccination on the Co-WIN portal?
All citizens aged 18 years and above can register for vaccination.
Is online registration mandatory for Covid 19 vaccination?
Vaccination Centres provide only a limited number of on-spot registration slots every day. Beneficiaries aged 45 years and above can schedule appointments online or walk into vaccination centres. Beneficiaries aged 18 years and above can schedule appointments online or walk in to Government vaccination centres. However, beneficiaries aged 18-44 years should mandatorily register themselves and schedule appointments online before going to a Private vaccination centre.
How many people can be registered on the Co-WIN portal through one mobile number?
Up to 4 people can be registered for vaccination using the same mobile number.
How can beneficiaries with no access to smartphones or computers manage online registration?
Up to 4 people can be registered for vaccination using the same mobile number. Beneficiaries can take help from friends or family for online registration.
Can I register for vaccination without Aadhaar card?
Yes, you can register on Co-WIN portal using any of the following ID proofs:
a. Aadhaar card
b. Driving License
c. PAN card
d. Passport
e. Pension Passbook
f. NPR Smart Card
g. Voter ID (EPIC)
Is there any registration charges to be paid?
No. There is no registration charge.
Can I book an appointment for vaccination in the Co-WIN portal?
Yes, you can book an appointment for vaccination through the Co-WIN portal after logging in to the Co-WIN Portal through your registered mobile number.
What are the options if one citizen is aged 45 or above and the other is aged 18 or above?
If one beneficiary is aged 45 or above and other beneficiary is aged between 18 and 44 years, and both want to schedule a combined appointment, then only private paid vaccination centres or vaccination centres as per State’s policy will be made available. However, it may happen that some hospitals which are catering to people with 45 years or more may not allow the booking of appointments for people of lesser age. In that case, you may make bookings one by one.
Can I check the vaccine being administered at each vaccination centre?
Yes, while scheduling an appointment for vaccination, the system will show vaccination centre names along with the name of the vaccine that will be administered.
Can I download the appointment slip?
Yes, the appointment slip can be downloaded after the appointment has been scheduled.
What if I cannot go for vaccination on the date of the appointment? Can I reschedule my appointment?
The appointment can be rescheduled at any time. In case you are not able to go for vaccination on the date of appointment, you can reschedule the appointment by clicking on the “Reschedule” tab.
Do I have an option for cancellation of an appointment?
Yes, you can cancel an appointment already scheduled. You can also reschedule the appointment and choose another date or time slot of your convenience.
Where will I receive confirmation of date and time of vaccination?
Once an appointment is scheduled, you will receive the details of the vaccination centre, date and time slot chosen for the appointment via an SMS sent to your registered mobile number. You can also download the appointment slip and print it or save it on your smartphone.
Can I get a vaccine without an appointment?
Beneficiaries aged 45 years and above can schedule appointments online or walk into vaccination centres. Beneficiaries aged 18-44 years can schedule appointment or walk-in for vaccination in the Government vaccination centre. However, they should mandatorily register themselves and schedule appointments online before vaccination in Private vaccination centres.
However, all beneficiaries are recommended to register online and schedule vaccination in advance for a hassle-free vaccination experience.
When I click on vaccination centre it shows 'No appointments are available in this period'. What to do?
In case of no availability of slots for scheduling appointments for vaccination in the searched vaccination centre, you may try scheduling appointments in other nearby centres. The portal gives you the feature of searching vaccination centres using your PIN-code and District.
What is the 4-digit secret code on the Account Details page of the self-registration portal on Co-WIN?
At the time of vaccination, you may be asked for the 4-digit secret code. This is to ensure that the rightful beneficiary receives the vaccine dosage and there is no misuse.
Is it necessary to take the second dose of vaccination?
Yes. It is recommended that both doses of vaccine should be taken for realising the full benefit of vaccination. Both doses must be of the same vaccine type.
Inputs: www.cowin.gov.in