CoWin App Opens Up for Vaccine Registration Below 45 Years, But There Are No Appointments

CoWin app has accepted registrations from citizens above 18 years, but there are no appointments available for anyone below 45 years of age across hospitals. CoWin app was supposed to accept and schedule vaccine registration below 45 years starting today for the largest ever vaccination drive in the country that was scheduled to begin from 1 May 2021.

However, users are expressing disappointment as they have to been able to schedule their appointments as the portal refuses to accept appointment requests from citizens below 45 years of age. “CoWIN app is not showing appointment date or even registering for those above 45 years of age. No vaccination centre information regarding availability of vaccine. Helpline 1075 is useless and offers no response. Where will we find out about the availability of vaccines? I have registered for my wife who is 57 years old, but I’m not able to find the vaccine center,” said Mahesh Sharma to Dataquest.

“Government should have also specified the time when the registrations will start. Hope Mumbai has enough vaccination doses available t cover such a large population. Since the volume is big, this vaccination center shall be open 24X7, so that good coverage can be done for the safety of all. The only limitation or hurdle will be the availability of vaccines. Hope that backward integration has been done and has been taken care of,” said Hemant Binani.

Why CoWIN App Refuses to Accept Appointments for Vaccine Registration Below 45 Years

CoWIN chief RS Sharma has reportedly said that today was a test registration, and as many as five million people have registered on the platform. “Some states and hospitals may come on board on May 1 or later, therefore, the visibility into the bookings or vacancy available for vaccination will be available when States, hospitals come on board,” said RS Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority to ANI News.

The same development has been confirmed by Aarogya Setu as well. "Vaccination appointments for 18 plus will be possible once the State Governments and Private Vaccination Centers schedule Vaccination sessions. Registration is happening on http://cowin.gov.in," said Aarogya Setu through its official Twitter handle.