New Delhi: Online appointments for 'precaution dose' of COVID vaccines for healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens have begun on the Co-WIN platform.


"The feature for online appointments for 'precaution dose' for healthcare/frontline workers and senior citizens (60+) is now live on Co-WIN": Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Health Mission tweeted.



Earlier, the Union Health Ministry informed that the precautionary COVID-19 vaccine dose will be the same vaccine as the one given previously.


While addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. VK Paul had said that those who have received Covaxin will receive Covaxin and those who have received primary two doses of Covishield will receive Covishield.


Eligibility


As per the Co-WIN platform, you would be eligible for a Precaution Dose if you are registered as a Health Care Worker (HWC) or a Front Line Worker (FLW), or a citizen aged 60 years or above. Being in the mentioned categories, you can take the precaution dose if you are already fully vaccinated as per the vaccination details recorded on Co-WIN and at least 39 weeks have passed after the administration of your full vaccination. 


Citizens aged 60 years or above and having co-morbidities are recommended to take precaution dose only after seeking medical advice.


Union Health Ministry had earlier informed that the senior citizens with co-morbidities will not be required to produce a doctor's certificate or prescription at the time of administration of precaution dose.


Notably, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra on Saturday announced that all election officials and employees will be considered as frontline workers and will be vaccinated with the precautionary dose, news agency ANI reported. 


ALSO READ | Elections 2022: Here’s How COVID Positive Patients, Suspected Cases Will Be Able To Cast Vote


How To Book Appointment For COVID Vaccination:



  • The beneficiaries eligible for precaution dose will not be required to undergo new registration.

  • The due date of Precaution Dose will be displayed on the Co-WIN dashboard in your existing account. 

  • If you are eligible for the Precaution Dose, the system will show you the slots for Precaution Dose in the Appointments Module. 

  • The slots’ availability is displayed in the search (on the district, Pincode, or map) based on the schedule populated by the District Immunisation Officers (for Government Vaccination Centers) and private hospitals for their vaccination centers.

  • Appointments can be booked online or onsite (walk-in).


Important Points To Know For Online Registration:



  • All communications and reminders are sent to your Registered Mobile Number. So the mobile number used for registration should be active.

  • Do not register with multiple mobile numbers or different Photo ID Proofs for the same individual.

  • The system will display vaccination slots only for the vaccines for which you are eligible. 

  • Carry the registered mobile phone and the requisite documents, including the appointment slip and the Photo ID card used for registration while visiting the vaccination center, for verification at the time of vaccination.


As announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 last year, the administration of the precautionary third dose for the vulnerable categories will commence from January 10.