From May 8, the CoWIN app will include a new feature of a ‘4-digit security code’ for beneficiaries receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Before being administered the vaccine dose, the beneficiary will have to share this 4-digit code with the vaccinator, before recording their vaccination status in the CoWIN system.
This is to minimise data entry errors about vaccination status that would subsequently reduce inconvenience caused to citizens, the health ministry said.
It has been noticed in some instances that citizens who had booked their appointment for COVID-19 vaccination through the CoWIN portal but did not actually go for vaccination on the scheduled date have received SMS notification that a vaccine dose has been administered to them, it said.
How the New Security Feature for CoWIN App for Vaccine Registration Below 45 Years Works?
-Beneficiaries who register for the vaccine will now get 4 digit security code upon booking an appointment online.
-This booking code will be sent through SMS and will also be given in the appointment confirmation slip.
-The “4-digit security code” will be printed in the appointment acknowledgment slip and will not be known to the vaccinator.
-This slip can be downloaded by beneficiaries on their mobile number.
-When the beneficiary goes to the centre for vaccination, the vaccinator will ask for the 4 digit code and then enter the same in the CoWIN system to correctly record the vaccination status.
This new feature will be applicable only for citizens who have done an online booking for a vaccination slot.
New Guidelines for Citizens Using CoWIN App for Vaccine Registration Below 45 Years:
The Health Ministry advised the citizens must carry a digital or physical copy of their appointment slip and the registered mobile phone with appointment confirmation SMS so that the security code can be furnished for easy completion of the vaccination recording process.
-Citizens must provide the security code to the vaccinator as the digital certificate will be generated only after the vaccination record has been updated with the security code.
-Citizen should get a confirmation SMS after the process has been successfully completed.
-The confirmation SMS indicates that the vaccination process has been completed successfully and the digital certificate has been generated.
-If one does not get the confirmation SMS, one should get in touch with the vaccinator or the vaccination centre in-charge, the ministry said.