While the government has said that there is no need to register to get the ‘precautionary dose,’
and walk-ins are allowed, registering on Cowin can make it easier to get a fixed slot for this booster vaccination dose.Cowin says users will be eligible for a precaution dose if the following conditions are met: If you are registered as a Health Care Worker (HWC) or a Front Line Worker (FLW) or a citizen aged 60 years or more.
Further, one needs to already fully vaccinated as per the vaccination details recorded on the website.
The Precaution dose option will show only if 39 weeks have passed after administration of your full vaccination, which is nine months.
Pre-booking a slot on Cowin will also ensure you are going in at a fixed time and leaving quickly, which is ideal given the rising cases for Covid-19.
Here’s how to register for ‘precaution dose’ on the Cowin portal or using the Aarogya Setu app
1) Open cowin.gov.in or in Aarogya Setu app, go to the Cowin tab, and tap on the vaccination tab.
2) Log in with the mobile number, which you have used for previous registration. If someone else registered on your behalf, please ask them for One Time Password (OTP) when using that particular mobile number. Remember, up to 4 people can be registered using the same mobile number on the Cowin portal.
3) After you have logged in, you will likely see your name and profile. If you have not been vaccinated so far and are planning to get it done now, then you will need to register.
4) For those who are fully vaccinated and eligible for precaution dose, the system will show the slots for Precaution Dose in the Appointments Module.
5) Tap on the ‘Precaution dose’ tab and then choose appointments.
6) Choose the appointment based on your location, Pincode, etc and tap/click on Book appointment. The appointment should get confirmed and details can be downloaded from the app.
Registering on Cowin for the first time: Here’s how to do
1) For those who are registering for the first time, you will be required to enter the photo ID type, number, and full name. You will need to enter gender and age as well. For the photo ID, you can choose from a Driving License, Aadhaar Card, or even Passport as photo ID proof.
2) After the registration is done, you will be taken to the “Book Appointment for Vaccination” page. Enter details like State/UT, Pincode, etc, and search.
3) A list of vaccination centres will appear depending on your location. Choose your required time and date and book an appointment.
Keep in mind that Cowin recommends that users should carry their registered mobile phone, Photo ID to the appointment.
It also states that senior citizens, who are aged 60 years or more and who have co-morbidities, should take precaution dose, only after medical advice. Also, a session once booked cannot be cancelled, but it can be rescheduled
Once your appointment is confirmed, an SMS will also come with details confirming the same.
