On Wednesday, the Co-Win platform recorded more than 1.23 crore registrations even though scheduling of appointments from 1st May onwards is not possible at present. The exact numbers of new recipients could be a dynamic figure, as per the officials. In the first 3 hours (i.e., 4-7pm), 383 million API hits were recorded. Almost 1.45 crore text messages were delivered successfully, as per the health ministry.

The registration process will start after the announcement about appointments at state government centres and private centres are ready on 1st May for vaccination of 18-plus beneficiaries. Several states have indicated they might not be able to start the drive on 1st May as there is a shortage of supplies.

The platform had initial glitches as the system was flooded with registration requests as OTPs were not received and dropdown menus were not functioning for some time. The portal now has become accessible and registrations are proceeding smoothly after being opened.

Even though scheduling was not possible, the increase in registrations and seeing the high interest in the younger population was a welcome sign between concerns as the fresh cases are discouraging people from receiving the vaccine. This will help to convince states, private hospitals and also the vaccine-makers about the demand for immunization.

At present, vaccine shots are available in private hospitals for 45-plus people only till the month end. After wards the Centre-supported vaccine rollout for this age group will be available in government hospitals only.

In the new scheme, states, private hospitals can access 50% production of Covishield and Covaxin for the 18 years and above category. According to central officials, the intentionis to allow states in creating incentives for vaccine-manufacturers to increase production. The higher price at private hospitals will reduce the load on government facilities.

The drive was driven by walk-in registrations till now. Out of the total number of 14.71 crore registrations, 9.33 crore are walk-ins and 2.82 crore people have done online registrations. Approximately, 2.55 crore healthcare and frontline workers are registered by state governments. Online registrations witnessed a major increase after 4pm on Wednesday.

For people between 18 - 44 years, online registration and booking appointments is mandatory for immunization. They can register directly on the Co-Win portal (cowin.gov.in) or through the Aarogya Setu app.

The government said that the appointments for the 18 - 44 years age group is based on slots made available by private vaccination and state governments centres. Many are disappointed due to the unavailability of slots and officials have urged to have patience and will soon be offered. Things will improve in 8-10 days as supplies are on the way. Private hospitals are strained because of rise in cases. Therefore, resources are limited but soon will improve.

Source: ET Healthworld