Covid vaccine slots can now be booked on WhatsApp: Here's how

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya on Tuesday said that Indians can now book slots for their Covid-19 vaccination through the MyGov Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp.

The messaging app has partnered with the Health Ministry to provide the users with vaccination appointments through its platform. The app will also help the users locate the nearest vaccination centre.

Mandaviya tweeted, "Paving a new era of citizen convenience. Now, book #COVID19 vaccine slots easily on your phone within minutes. Send 'Book Slot' to MyGovIndia Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp. Verify OTP and follow the steps."

How to book:

•Save the MyGov Corona Helpdesk number: 9013151515.

•Type "Book Slot" and send the message to the number. The user will receive a one-time password through SMS.

•Enter the password into the WhatsApp chat. The chatbot will display the individual's data from CoWin.

•To book the slot, the user will have to enter their mobile number. The chatbot will then ask for a Pincode.

•Upon entering it, the user will get to choose their preferred date, location and vaccine. A confirmation will follow subsequently.

•Users have been able to download their vaccination certificates through the messaging app since August 5.

Earlier on August 5, MyGov and WhatsApp had introduced the facility to download vaccine certificates from the messaging app and so far, over 32 lakh certificates have been downloaded by users from across the country.

For this, one has to send the message "covid certificate" on the MyGov Corona Helpline number through WhatsApp. The user will receive a one-time password that has to be entered into the chat for the certificate. The document will follow.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to extend slot booking and certificate download support on the Co-WIN portal, Aarogya Setu and Umang mobile app.