In a move to ‘pave a new era of citizen convenience’, the central government today, on August 24 has introduced a new facility to book vaccine slots using WhatsApp ‘within minutes’. Citizens no longer need to download the Aarogya Setu app or log in to the Co-Win portal to book their vaccination slots.

“Paving a new era of citizen convenience. Now, book COVID-19 vaccine slots easily on your phone within minutes,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted today.

How to book vaccination slots via WhatsApp

•  Save the MyGov Corona Helpdesk number (9013151515) to your contact list.

• Type ‘Book Slot’ and send to the mentioned number on WhatsApp.

• Enter the 6-digit OTP one will receive via SMS on the number used for WhatsApp.

• Send the OTP on the chat.

• Select preferred date, location, pin code, vaccine type and send on chat following prompts.

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

Besides booking slots, vaccinated individuals will also be able to download their vaccine certificates via WhatsApp.

Also Read: Here’s why the Government doesn’t want you to post your Covid-19 vaccination certificate on social media

“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.

Head of Whatsapp Will Cathcart today tweeted that over three million Indians have already availed the service.

Whatsapp has partnered with the health ministry and citizen engagement platform MyGovIndia to enable people to make their vaccine appointments via WhatsApp.

So far, 588 million doses have been administered in India.

Also Read: Are you 18? This is how to register for COVID19 vaccination