Co-Win: 4-Digit Security Code Mandatory For Online Vaccine Booking From May 8

New Delhi: The Co-Win software through which registration and vaccination slot booking is taking place for the 18+ and 45+ age group will now have a security code.

The Union Health Ministry has taken the step following data-entry error in marking many people who have booked vaccination slots as ‘vaccinated.’

Upon booking vaccination slots on cowin.gov.in website, people will receive a four-digit security code which will have to be produced at the vaccination centre. The code will also be mentioned on the digital certificate, the ministry said.

The additional security feature has been introduced as many people received messages claiming that they have received one dose of the vaccine, while they did not actually turn up for the vaccination on the scheduled date.

“This will ensure that, for such citizens who have booked an online appointment, the data entries regarding vaccination status of a citizen, are recorded correctly and only for those who book online appointment and avail the services at the centre where they have booked the appointment. This will also reduce the opportunities for impersonation and wrongful use of flexibilities provided in Co-WIN for facilitating vaccination coverage,” the ministry said.

The security code, unknown to the vaccinator, will be printed on the appointment acknowledgement slip as well. Before administering the vaccine dose, the vaccinator will ask the beneficiary the 4-digit security code.

The ministry has also advised citizens to carry a copy (digital or physical) of their appointment slip or the appointment confirmation SMS so that the security code can be furnished easily.

Here is the checklist for registration on Co-Win:

Co-Win is not a mobile app. Registration can be done through Co-Win website or through the Aarogya Setu app.
One can register on Co-Win through a mobile number, based on the one-time password.
During registration, one has to mention the identification number of the photo ID card that he or she will carry during vaccination.