The central government launched the vaccination drive against the coronavirus. The government has developed a mobile application, CoWin (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network) which is used to manage the inoculation drive. The third phase of Covid-19 vaccination of people above the age group of 50 and those with comorbidities is expected to begin in March, for which the CoWin app for the self-registration will also be launched. The app will also have an option of choosing the date and location of their vaccination site, according to the health ministry. The beneficiaries will also be able to use the app to update their age from what is reflected on the last electoral roll.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said: “It’s a subject that is being deliberated amongst the top most relevant experts of the country and we are taking opinion from relevant quarters within the country, if required even from WHO. The expert committee is expected to give the guidelines soon.” As soon as the guidelines are framed, the registrations for eligible beneficiaries of the third category of vaccination are likely to be open soon on the CoWin app. India has currently vaccinated over 94 lakh healthcare and frontline workers against coronavirus and become the third topmost country to vaccinate after the US and the UK. However, deadlines for the vaccination drive have been delayed. The government has said that at least a single dose of vaccine has to be given to healthcare workers by February 20, the mop-up rounds will have to be finished by February 24. For Frontline workers, the dates are March 1 and March 6, respectively. However, a message on WhatsApp claims that the inoculation registration on the CowinApp will open in February for citizens above the age of 50.
When it does, people can register with their PAN Card and no other details are required. They will be able to opt for the hospital most convenient to them. Once accepted, they will get an SMS confirming their registration with a 14 digit registration number. In due course after that they will get another SMS giving them a date and time for the vaccination at the hospital they opted for. Although, The government has clarified that no such decision has been taken.
