Vaccine slots can now be booked via WhatsApp. Here’s How to Get Started

New Delhi, India: With India aiming to vaccinate all people by the end of the year, the government has launched a new WhatsApp-based service for booking vaccine appointments.

“Setting the stage for a new era of citizen convenience. COVID-19 vaccine slots can now be readily booked on your phone in minutes “Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Health, tweeted this morning.

“Send ‘Book Slot’ to MyGovIndia Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp. Verify OTP. Follow the steps,” he further wrote, along with a link.

By following the steps, relevant details can be fetched from CoWIN, the government portal that links every vaccine dose to its recipient.

All you have to do is simply send ‘Book Slot’ to MyGovIndia Corona Helpdesk, verify OTP and follow these few simple steps.

Visit https://t.co/97Wqddbz7k today! #IndiaFightsCorona@MoHFW_INDIA@PMOIndiapic.twitter.com/HQgyZfkHfv

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 24, 2021

In another significant move, the government earlier this month had introduced the facility of getting vaccination certificate via WhatsApp. This came as a relief for those trying to get a proof of vaccination with the CoWIN platform reporting glitches on some occasions. Amid concern over a third Covid wave, vaccine certificates are being sought for interstate travel, among other things.

“Revolutionising common man’s life using technology! Now get #COVID19 vaccination certificate through MyGov Corona Helpdesk in 3 easy steps. Save contact number: +91 9013151515. Type & send ‘covid certificate’ on WhatsApp. Enter OTP. Get your certificate in seconds,” the Health Minister’s office had tweeted.