How to Register on the CoWIN Portal for your COVID Vaccination

The Covid-19 vaccination drive started on January 16, 2021 in India. During the first phase, frontline healthcare workers were vaccinated, while phase 2 and phase 3 saw people above 60 and 45 also vaccinated against the virulent disease.

Now, from May 1, 2021, vaccinations are open to everyone over the age of 18. Getting the vaccine will not only protects you from Covid-19, but also reduces your risk of spreading the virus.

However, the logistics of such a vaccination drive in a country as diverse or large as India can be immensely challenging.

That’s exactly what the CoWIN application is looking to do!

The CoWIN application and web portal was launched at the start of the Covid-19 vaccination drive in January 2021.

It is a platform for Indians to register for their COVID-19 vaccinations, and to schedule their appointments at the nearest vaccination centre. Once you have been vaccinated, you can also get your COVID Vaccine Certificate (CVC), which is essential for proof of vaccination 

You can either register directly on the CoWIN web portal, or download the CoWIN app and register there. It is also possible to register using the Arogya Setu app, or the Umang portal. 

Register for COVID Vaccination in CoWIN

Here is how you can register for the Covid-19 vaccine in India: 

Register for COVID Vaccination in CoWIN

Everyone who qualifies for the vaccination drive can register themselves using the CoWIN portal, following the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Visit the CoWIN platform and register/sign in using your mobile number
• Step 2: You will receive an OTP, which you can use to verify your phone number and proceed
• Step 3: You will be directed to the registration page where you will have to share a valid photo ID proof, and fill in your details, such as age, gender, and so on.
• Step 4: Then all that is left is to schedule an appointment at a Vaccination Centre close to your location and book it during any available time slot.

Register for Vaccination in CoWIN using Aarogya Setu App

The process can also be completed using the Aarogya Setu app. However, doing so involves a different set of steps. 

Here is the registration process when using the Aarogya Setu application:

• Step 1: Open the Aarogya Setu application and navigate to the “CoWIN” tab and select the "Register Now".
• Step 2: You will need to enter your mobile and verify it with an OTP
• Step 3: Fill in the application form, with your details, including a photo ID proof (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, etc).
• Step 4: Once this is done, you can register. Following this, you should receive a confirmation SMS on the phone number provided.
• Step 5: Now you can choose a vaccination site based on your location and pin code and book an available time slot.

Register for Vaccination in CoWIN the UMANG app

You can also register on CoWIN using the UMANG app. Here are the steps you would need to take to do that: 

• Step 1: Open the UMANG app, navigate to the Health tab and select the “CoWIN” option.
• Step 2: Tap on the ‘Register or Login For Vaccination’ option, then enter your mobile and verify it with an OTP
• Step 3: You will be directed to a registration page where you will need to share a valid photo ID proof, and fill in your details, such as your name, Photo ID number, age, and gender.
• Step 4: If needed, you can also add up to 4 beneficiaries.
• Step 5: Then you can click on the “Schedule Appointment” option and book an available time slot based on your location and pin code.

Those registering would need to furnish one of the following documents while registering for the Covid-19 vaccine:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Pension document
• Driving license
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• EPIC or the Electoral Photo Identity Card

The government has also devised an offline registration system for people who do not have access to the internet, or simply prefer to pursue an offline registration.

Unfortunately, this option is only available for the 45+ age group. There are two specific methods for the same:

• On-site registrations - Individuals would need to walk into designated government and private clinics to register themselves and also get the vaccine shot.

Keep in mind that two shots are necessary to complete the vaccination course, and that both doses have to be of the same vaccine (such as Covaxin or Covishield). However, once registered, one would not need to re-register before the second shot.

Once you have been vaccinated, you can download a vaccination certificate from the Co-WIN portal or the Aarogya Setu app using your mobile number used at the time of registration. This proof of vaccination can be essential in case of travel, or for some vents. 

The Covid-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost at government hospitals and vaccination centres in most states. However, private medical institutions will charge individuals for these shots.