This is an archive article published on April 28, 2021
Covid-19 vaccination for 18-44 age group: How to register on CoWin, Aarogya Setu
Covid-19 vaccine registration: Those in the age group of 18-44 years can register for Covid-19 vaccination on the CoWIN portal; the registrations and appointments for vaccination have started.
Those in the age group of 18 to 44 years can register on CoWIN. Registrations opened on April 28 and are continuing. To register, you can log into the Co-WIN portal using the link http://www.cowin.gov.in and click on the “Register/Sign In yourself” tab to register for the COVID-19 vaccination. Alternatively, you can also register for vaccination through the Aarogya Setu App.
Can I book my appointment for vaccination from May 1?
Yes, you can now book an appointment for vaccination on the Co-WIN portal provided a slot is available. Earlier, the link was open only for registration. The appointments or scheduling of vaccination has been made available from May 1 onward. Make sure you look for the 18-44 category while booking an appointment.
Can I get a vaccination without an appointment?
The government says that citizens aged 18-44 years should mandatorily register themselves and schedule appointments online before vaccination. On-spot registration or walk-in facility is currently not allowed at private hospitals for the 18-44 years age group.
From May 1, state governments and private hospitals will procure 50 percent of total doses directly from the open market to vaccinate the 18-44 year age group. The availability of slots will depend on the availability of doses.
Due to limited doses, several states will have their own priority groups within the 18-44 years age group. This state-specific information will soon get reflected on the Co-win when you can make appointments.
Is there any registration charge to be paid?
No, there is no registration charge.
How many people can be registered in the Co-WIN portal through one mobile number?
Up to four people can be registered for vaccination using the same mobile number.
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Can I register for vaccination without an Aadhaar card?
Yes, you can register on the Co-WIN portal using any of the following ID proofs: Aadhaar card ; Driving License; PAN card; Passport; Pension Passbook; NPR Smart Card; and Voter ID (EPIC).
Is vaccination free at all vaccination centres?
Currently, vaccination is free at government hospitals and charged at INR 250 in private hospitals for citizens aged 45 years and above. This will cease to exist from May 1, and even those above the age of 45 years will have to pay at private facilities that cost fixed by the private hospital.
For people between 18 to 44 years, the States will announce the policy relating to payment. Most states have announced that they will offer it for free at government centres.
At private vaccination sites, however, the cost will be decided by the private hospitals and you can see the price of each vaccine at the time of booking.
Yes. The system from May 1 will show the price of the vaccine below the name of the vaccination centre at the time of scheduling an appointment.
Can I choose the Covid-19 vaccine?
Yes. The System will show the vaccine being administered in each vaccination centre at the time of scheduling an appointment. Citizens can choose the vaccination centre as per their choice of vaccine being administered However, the choice will not be available at the Government facilities.
What are the options if one citizen is aged 45 or above and another is aged 18 or above?
If one citizen is aged 45 or above and another citizen is aged 18 to 44 years and both want to schedule a combined appointment, then only private paid vaccination centres or vaccination centres as per state’s policy will be made available. However, it may happen that some hospitals which are catering to people with 45 years or more may not allow the booking of appointments for people with lesser age. In that case you may make bookings one by one.
If I am Covid-19 positive, when can I get my vaccine shot?
The centre has specified three categories of temporary contraindications. For people in these categories, vaccination is to be deferred for four-eight weeks after recovery. These categories are: persons having active symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection; Covid-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-Cov-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma; and acutely unwell and hospitalised — with or without intensive care — patients due to “any illness”.
As City Editor ( Delhi) at the Indian Express, Kaunain Sheriff leads city reporting with a sharp focus on accountability journalism, data-driven stories, and ground-level impact. As the National Health Editor he leads the newsroom’s in-depth coverage of pressing health issues.
He is the author of Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant, a definitive investigation into the accountability of one of the world’s most powerful pharmaceutical corporations.
Areas of Expertise
Investigative Reporting: Has deep expertise in investigative reporting spanning public health, regulatory affairs, drug safety, and the criminal justice system. His work sits at the intersection of governance, law, and accountability, with a particular focus on how regulatory failures, institutional lapses, and policy decisions affect citizens’ rights and safety.
Data Journalism: Has extensively on big data–driven investigations, including analyses of flagship government schemes and large datasets on criminal trials, uncovering systemic gaps.
Global Collaborations
Kaunain is a key contributor to major international journalistic projects:
The Implant Files: Collaborated with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) to expose global malpractices in the medical device industry.
Chinese Big-Data Investigation: Uncovered how a foreign data firm monitored thousands of prominent Indian institutions and individuals in real-time.
Awards & Recognition
His commitment to "Journalism of Courage" has been recognized with the industry's highest honors:
Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism
SOPA Award (Society of Publishers in Asia)
Red Ink Award (Mumbai Press Club)
Indian Express Excellence Awards (Triple recipient for investigations into the NSA abuse in UP, Vyapam scam, and the anti-Sikh riots).
Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Bangalore, before moving to Delhi to pursue his passion for journalism. His engineering training informs his analytical approach, enabling him to decode technical, legal, and data-heavy systems with precision.
Social media
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaunain-sheriff-3a00ab99
X ( fromerly Twitter): @kaunain_s ... Read More
