The CoWIN portal is set to introduce a new mandatory feature starting May 8, requiring a four-digit security code. This measure aims to minimize data entry errors related to vaccination status, ultimately reducing inconvenience for citizens, as per the health ministry’s announcement.

Addressing Data Entry Errors

The decision stems from instances where citizens, despite booking vaccination appointments through CoWIN, received SMS notifications indicating vaccine doses administered, even though they didn’t receive the vaccine as scheduled. Such discrepancies were primarily attributed to data entry errors by vaccinators, leading to incorrect vaccination status records.

Introduction of Four-Digit Security Code

To mitigate these errors and enhance accuracy in recording vaccination status, the CoWIN system will implement a four-digit security code feature. Upon verification of eligibility, vaccinators will request beneficiaries to provide their unique four-digit code before administering the vaccine dose. This code will then be entered into the CoWIN system, ensuring correct recording of vaccination status.

Implementation Details

The four-digit security code will be exclusively applicable to citizens who have booked their vaccination slots online. This code will be printed on the appointment acknowledgment slip and included in the confirmation SMS sent after successful appointment booking. Beneficiaries can also save and display the appointment slip digitally from their mobile devices.

Benefits and Preventive Measures

This new feature aims to accurately record vaccination data for online appointment bookings, reducing opportunities for impersonation or misuse of CoWIN flexibilities. Citizens are advised to carry their appointment slip, along with the registered mobile phone containing the confirmation SMS, to provide the security code during the vaccination process.

Confirmation and Support

After providing the security code, beneficiaries should receive a confirmation SMS indicating successful completion of the vaccination process and digital certificate generation. In case of any issues or if the confirmation SMS is not received, individuals are encouraged to contact the vaccinator or the vaccination centre in-charge for assistance.