Online registration through CoWIN and other modes for COVID-19 vaccine not mandatory

As per Union Health Ministry online registration is not mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination. The ministry said that any adult can go to the nearest vaccination centre, register on-site and receive the vaccine.

"Pre-registration for vaccination through online registration and prior booking of appointment is not mandatory to avail of vaccination services. Anyone, aged 18 years or more, can directly go to the nearest vaccination centre where vaccinator performs the on-site registration and provides vaccination in the same visit. This is also popularly known as 'walk-ins'," said the ministry.

It added that registration through CoWIN is just one of the many modes. "The facilitated registration through the Common Service Centres (CSCs) on Co-WIN, is just one of the many modes of registration on Co-WIN. The facilitators such as health workers or ASHAs, also mobilise beneficiaries in rural areas and those residing in urban slums, for on-site registration and vaccination directly at the nearest vaccination centres," it said.