India Introduces COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates on WhatsApp

Since August 2021, Indian citizens can get their vaccination certificates via WhatsApp. What they need for it (along with the fact of vaccination) is a bot named MyGov Corona Helpdesk and a WhatsApp client. Acquiring the certificate is rather simple but still has some specifics to consider.

Given the scale of the pandemic in India, no wonder the government takes more than usual countermeasures. Implementing more digital services here serves a double purpose: first, it minimizes direct human contacts; second, it accelerates the functioning of the public health system. With WhatsApp, an extremely popular messenger, it becomes easier to provide certificates to those already vaccinated.

To obtain the digital certificate, an Indian citizen needs to add +9013151515 to the contact book. This number belongs to the Government of India's Corona Helpdesk, and now it’s used as a bot. Then all it takes is to type in and send the words “Covid Certificate”. After that, the bot will request a 6-digit code that can be obtained via the Cowin platform. Enter this code within 30 seconds to get the certificate right in the chat. The certificate will look like a standard QR code. Just open the chat and show it when prompted to or save the picture on your device separately.

If the phone is used by several people (a frequent situation in India), and they are registered in the public health system using the same number, the bot will ask which of these persons requests the certificate. Along with this, the bot can deliver the latest news on COVID-19, help you locate the nearest vaccination center, find available slots, and so on. This makes the bot a great thing for both those who have already got their shots and for those only going to.  And there’s no need to install a special app and share extra personal data for that. Do you think this experience should be implemented in more countries? Share your opinion with us in the comments.