All those who are 18 years of age and above can now register themselves for COVID-19 vaccine from today on the government’s CoWin platform, the Aarogya Setu app and Umang App as the government gears up to launch the third phase of the immunisation drive on May 1. Amid deadly Covid-19 second wave surge, the Centre had said that all Indian adults will be eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine starting May 1. The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab to remain the same.

It is to be noted that the government has made it mandatory for the 18-44 age group to register themselves on the CoWIN portal and get an appointment for vaccination against coronavirus, saying walk-ins will not be allowed initially to avoid “chaos” at immunisation centres once the inoculations drive opens up substantially.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan tweeted, “From May 1, all people above 18 years of age will be vaccinated under the third phase of vaccination. If you are 18+ then be ready. Registration for Covid vaccination will start soon. visit my:http://Cowin.gov.in. (click on the link)”

Later, MyGovIndia, citizen engagement platform of Government of India on Twitter, tweeted that registration for the third phase of vaccination will start from April 28.

How to register at cowin.gov.in and app: Check step-by-step guide

1) Log on to cowin.gov.in and enter your mobile number

2) Then an OTP will be sent to your mobile number via an SMS

3) After this,enter the OTP and click on the “verify” button

4) Once the OTP is validated, the “Registration of Vaccination” page will open up

5) Enter details required in the “Registration of Vaccination” page such as your photo ID proof. You will also be asked if you have any comorbidities. This can be answered by clicking on ‘yes’ or ‘no’

6) Once the details are entered for registration, click “Register” button at the bottom right

7) After this, you will receive a confirmation message on successful registration. Once registration is done, you will be shown the “Account Details”.

In the past one week, several states including Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh announced free vaccination for all people above the age of 18.