NewDelhi: Those looking to download Covid-19 vaccination certificates can now do so over WhatsApp, the Health Ministry has informed. The announcement was made by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s office, on 8 August 2021.
This development offers much-needed relief by facilitating easier downloads, especially in the wake of the glitches the official vaccination portal has been experiencing, and given the fact that states are looking to mandate presenting vaccination certificates for inter-state travel
Those looking to download the certificates can send a WhatsApp message to the number assigned for this purpose and receive it, according to the official communiqué. The Health Minister’s office took to its official Twiitter handle to make the information public.
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According to the official announcement, the certificate can be downloaded in 3 easy steps. The process can be initiated by sending the message, ‘covid certificate’ to Corona Helpdesk’s WhatsApp number +91 9013151515.
There have, however, been some complaints since the service’s launch about the new mechanism malfunctioning. According to some complaints, the results obtained initially were inaccurate. Some users also claimed that the certificate had the same date listed for both the doses. Certain users, on the other hand, claimed that they were notified that they are not vaccinated despite having received both the shots.
Although initial glitches are a given under most new services, the government needs to ensure that all malfunctions and discrepancies are washed out expeditiously, since presenting vaccination certificates is more than likely to become the new normal, especially for inter-state travel.
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According to a provisional report, around 50,68,10,492 Covid vaccine doses have been administered as of 8 August 2021, since the launch of the nationwide vaccination drive in January. India’s Cowin app has been a sought after product and its technology is asked by many other nations to run their Covid vaccination program.
