New Delhi: As the country is seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases and the scare of the new variant Omicron is spreading, 'precaution dose' is becoming more necessary. Registration for this dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with co-morbidities started on the CoWIN portal on Saturday evening, January 8. 


The exercise of administering the precaution dose to these categories of beneficiaries will begin from January 10. There is no requirement for new registration for the beneficiaries of precautionary Covid-19 vaccine dose, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday.


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"Schedules will be published on January 8. The online appointment facility will also start by Friday evening. Vaccination with onsite appointment starts on January 10," said the Union Health Ministry.


 







How to book an appointment? 


There is no need for new registration of those taking the precautionary dose, they can directly take an appointment from Saturday or walk-in, the Union Health Ministry had said.



  • To book an appointment, visit the CoWIN website or app.

  • Sign-in through registered mobile number.

  • The website will send you an OTP to verify, you can also login using your Aarogya Setu account

  • Click on Register for the vaccine.

  • You will be asked to pick your nearest vaccination centre.

  • Select your time slot based on availability. You can either choose the morning or afternoon slot.

  • You will get a message on your registered number when you successfully book a slot.

  • Do not forget to carry your Photo ID like Aadhar to the vaccination center.


Who all are eligible? 


The Union Government had earlier informed that whoever is aged 60 years and above with co-morbidities will not be required to produce or submit any certificate from their doctor at the time of administration of the precaution dose. The beneficiaries are expected to obtain the advice of their doctor before deciding to avail of the precaution dose or third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.


Eligibility of such beneficiaries for the precaution dose will be based on the date of administration of the second dose as recorded in the CoWIN system (completion of 9 months i.e. 39 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose), according to the guidelines issued by the ministry. CoWIN will send reminder messages to all those eligible for the precaution dose and the dose will be reflected in the digital vaccination certificates.


"Precautionary Covid-19 vaccine dose will be the same vaccine as has been given previously. Those who have received Covaxin will receive Covaxin, those who have received primary two doses of Covishield will receive Covishield," said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog during media briefing of Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.