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Covid: Here's how you can now book vaccine slots via WhatsApp

The Centre has introduced a new facility to book COVID vaccine slots

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The Centre has tied up with Facebook-owned WhatsApp to introduce a new facility to book vaccine slots using the messenger app. "Paving a new era of citizen convenience. Now, book COVID-19 vaccine slots easily on your phone within minutes," tweeted Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya this morning. 

WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart also tweeted about the new initiative that will ease the process of booking vaccine slots. "Today we’re partnering with @MoHFW_INDIA and @mygovindia to enable people to make their vaccine appointments via WhatsApp. Spread the word," Cathcart tweeted.

Here's how you can book your vaccine slots via WhatsApp:

1. Save the MyGov Corona Helpdesk number (9013151515) as a contact

2. Send ‘Book Slot’ to MyGovIndia Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp

3. Verify the 6-digit OTP

4. While in the chat, one has to choose their preferred date and location, pin code, and vaccine type.

5. Get a confirmation and visit the vaccination centre on the day of their appointment

Besides booking slots, vaccinated individuals can also download their vaccine certificates through the same mechanism, Cathcart said, adding over three million Indians have already availed the service.

The new method of vaccine slot booking has been facilitated by MyGovIndia, the citizen engagement platform of the central government. MyGov CEO Abhishek Singh said the new tie-up will enable digital inclusion since WhatsApp is much easier to navigate, and thanked the messaging app for creating the chatbot to help facilitate citizen's access to vaccination.

The government had, earlier this month, introduced the facility of getting vaccination certificates 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 the 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.

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