How to Download COVID19/Coronavirus Vaccination Certificate?

India had started to see a decrease in regular Covid-19 infections nine months earlier, leading many analysts to conclude that a catastrophic second wave was impossible. The second wave of Covid-19, on the other hand, has taken the healthcare system to its knees.

India began to see an increase in Covid-19 infections in early April, with over 3 lakh new cases of Covid-19 being reported daily. The increase in mortality and positivity rates during the second wave of the infection has triggered a fear psychosis among Indians.

The country’s deteriorating health system, as well as false information and rumors, added to the flames. Owing to a severe lack of medical oxygen and hospital beds, people lost their loved ones. If the image of migrants walking back home is the defining image of the first Covid wave, the tragedy of the second is marked by the unavailability of oxygen cylinders.

Following are the exact words of Amar Singh, 29, a worker at Lucknow’s Mukti Dham crematorium over the horrific situation caused by this second wave:

“Humne (kabhie) itni dead bodies to dekhi hi nahin hai… wo ghat par platform bane hain, woh khali pade rahte the, (par) aaj pair rakhne ki jagah nahin hai, charon aur lashein hi lashein.”

In such a macabre situation, Vaccination became the only helping hand after covid appropriate behavior that could pull them out of this life and death situation. By looking at the change in vaccination levels in the month of April, this sudden increase in faith towards vaccination can be clearly seen and easily scaled.

Thankfully, our government awoke from its slumber and increased its efforts, and many people received their first vaccination during this terrifying time. Now, what to do next? Is getting a single dose make you strong enough to fight the current crisis? How do you make an appointment for the vaccine’s second dose? How do you download your vaccination certificate so that you have the necessary documentation for the second round of vaccination?  Many more such questions will be making rounds in your mind.

KEEP CALM AND SCROLL DOWN TO FIND ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR DOUBTS. We hope that this effort of ours will surely ease some of your mental stress and provide some peace of mind to you. We will try to answer every question, regarding the vaccination process after your jab of inoculation, trending on the internet in India.

Why do I need a vaccination certificate?

A COVID Vaccine Certificate (CVC) provided by the government provides assurance to the recipient about the vaccination, the type of vaccine used, and the next vaccination due date. It also serves as proof for the citizen to show to any institutions that may require proof of vaccination, especially while travelling. Vaccination not only protects people from illness, but it also reduces the chance of the infection spreading. As a result, producing a certificate for some types of social interactions and international travel will become a necessity in the future.

Who is responsible for providing the vaccination certificate?

The Vaccination Centre is in charge of generating the certificate and producing a printed copy following vaccination on the same day. Please insist on getting your certificate from the Center. The cost of obtaining a printed copy of the certificate is included in the vaccine service fee for private hospitals.

Where can I download the vaccination certificate from?

You can either download it from any of these three means Co-WIN site (cowin.gov.in), the Aarogya Setu app, or Digi-Locker. Your ” Beneficiary id” will be needed to download it. You can find your beneficiary id either by logging into the cowin portal or by checking your appointment slip.

How can I obtain a Covid-19 vaccination certificate from the CoWin portal?

• Click on this link https://www.cowin.gov.in/home to redirect yourself to the homepage of CoWin official Website.
• Click on the Sign In/Register button, appearing on the top right corner of the homepage screen
• Log into the portal using your registered mobile number. Enter the one-time password (OTP) that was sent to you through the SMS to proceed on to the next step
• You will find a Certificate tab under your name after you log in.
• Click the download tab to get your vaccination certificate.

How do you get your Covid-19 vaccination certificate from the Aarogya Setu app?

• Open the Aarogya Setu app
• Sign in using your mobile number.
• Click on the Cowin icon at the top.
• Click on the Vaccination Certificate option.
• Enter your 13-digit beneficiary reference ID
• Click on the download button to download your vaccination certificate

Why do I have to take two doses? Is one dose not enough?

Researchers discovered that when the vaccines were administered as a single dose, they evoked a relatively poor immune response. A second dose, on the other hand, triggered a stronger immune response.

The process of building up defense begins with the first dose of the vaccine. The second dose works to further strengthen this protection.

Is it necessary to take the second dose of your Covid-19 vaccination?

Yes, indeed. For the maximum advantage of vaccination, it is recommended that all doses of vaccine be taken. Both vaccine doses must be of the same kind.

When should I take the second dose of your Covid-19 vaccination?

The second dose of COVAXIN should be given 4–6 weeks after the first dose. The recommended period for COVISHIELD was previously 4 to 8 weeks, but on the advice of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19(NEGVAC), it has now been increased to 12 to 16 weeks.   You are free to select any date between the period assigned for your second dose vaccine. You can find your time period, for the second dose, written on your vaccination certificate

Why has the time between the first and second Covishield doses been lengthened? Why hasn’t Covaxin received the same enlengthening?

This recommendation is based on recent research evidence that indicates that increasing the time between vaccine doses increases Covishield’s efficacy. According to a study published in The Lancet on March 6th of this year, a longer interval offers better safety after the second dose without affecting protection prior to the second dose. Individuals who received the two doses of the vaccine 12 weeks apart had an efficacy of 81.3 percent, compared to those who received the two doses of the vaccine in less than 6 weeks, and had an efficacy of 55.1%.

If someone has severe side effects after the first dose, does it mean that the effects after the second dose will be similar as well?

No, it’s not true. In comparison to the first dose, the second dose can cause no or more serious side effects. The side effects are a consequence of the immune system’s reaction to the vaccine. The first dose of the vaccine prepares the immune system to react to the foreign (vaccine) agent, while the second dose serves as a booster, resulting in a more powerful immune response.

Will the appointment for my second dose of vaccination be automatically scheduled by the Co-WIN website?

No, it isn’t true either. You must make an appointment for the second dose vaccine. The Co-WIN system will help you in scheduling an appointment at a Vaccination Center where you will receive the same vaccine as the first dose.

Who should I contact if I have a problem making an appointment for my vaccination?

For updates and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination and Co-WIN software-related questions, call the national helpline 1075.

How to register yourself for the second dose of your vaccination program?

Via CoWIN website

• Visit www.cowin.gov.in.
• Submit mobile number and to ‘Get OTP’.
• Submit the OTP received and log in.
• Press “schedule appointment” option appearing at the bottom.
• Pick a vaccination centre and confirm your booking.

How To Register for Covid-19 Vaccination on Co-Win Portal?

Via Aarogya Setu app

• Install and then open Aarogya Setu app.
• Log in to the app using your registered Mobile number.
• Click on the Vaccination tab.
• Enter your mobile number and verify it by the OTP received.
• Click “schedule appointment”  tab, available at the bottom
• Pick a vaccination centre of your choice and confirm your booking.

How to Register for Covid-19 Vaccination on Aarogya Setu App?

What precautions should I take at the time of second dose vaccination?

Vaccination centers have been told that if a citizen is getting a second dose, they must confirm that the first dose was given with the same vaccine that is being provided at the time of the second dose and that the first dose was given more than 28 days ago.

You should provide the vaccinator with accurate details about the vaccine type and the date of the first dose vaccination. You should show the vaccine certificate that was given to you after the first dose to provide the exact details.

Can the two vaccines be mixed matched? If a person takes the first dose of Covishield, can the second dose be that of Covaxin or vice versa?

No. For maximum protection, it is recommended that both vaccine doses be taken. However, both vaccine doses must be of the same kind. Mixing two vaccines can be catastrophic. Always carry your vaccination certificate at the time of your second dose inoculation. The vaccination certificate provides exact information to the staff at the vaccination center to proceed in the right dose.

What happens if a person has been administered two doses of different vaccines?

Nothing can be said with certainty on this case, at this moment, as no scientific research on Indian Vaccines talks about this case. Giving the benefit of doubt to yourself, please cross-check the vaccines which you are about to get in the second round with the vaccine which has been already administered to your body in the first round.

If a person takes covishield/covaxin’s first dose from one center, but cannot get the second dose of the same vaccine from the same center, what should he/she do?

You should go to a vaccination center that will give you the same vaccine that you had in the first dose.

Can I get my second dose of vaccination in a different state/district?

Vaccinations are available in all states and districts. The only limitation is that you will only be able to get vaccinated at those locations that deliver the same vaccine that you received on the first dose.

Which documents should I carry with me to the vaccination center?

You can bring the identity proof you referenced when you registered on the Co-WIN portal, as well as a printout/screenshot of your appointment slip. Always keep your vaccination certificate with you during the second round of vaccination.

Whom do I contact in case of side effects from vaccination?

Contact at  the following numbers and addresses as per the nature of your query:

a. General query: +91-11-23978046 (Toll free- 1075)

b. Technical help: 0120-4473222

c.  Email Id: nvoc2019@gov.in

 You can also reach Vaccination Centre to resolve your query. 

What if I miss my second dose of Vaccine?

You are not safe if you skip the second dose, which means that if you are exposed to the infection, you can become infected, contract the disease, and even develop serious symptoms.

Should the second dose of the vaccine be administered if a person becomes infected with Covid-19 after receiving the first?

Yes. To develop immunity, you’ll need both doses. If your second dose is due when you’re Covid-positive, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to take it.

Are those who have received the first dose of the vaccine at a lower risk of Covid infection than those who have not received the vaccine at all?

Obviously, Even one dose will give some immunity after a period of two weeks. There’s a good chance it’ll provide substantial protection against symptomatic infection and serious infection.

Are Covishield and Covaxin effective against all known mutations?

The vaccines, according to experts, are effective against all strains except a few. One of them is the South African strain, which is extremely difficult to combat with our current vaccines. Both vaccines, on the other hand, have a high level of efficacy.

Is it possible to contract Covid-19 after receiving two doses of vaccine?

Yes, but there is no need to panic. You can certainly keep the infection at bay if you follow covid-appropriate behaviour.

How can a person who has been vaccinated become infected with Covid-19?

1. No vaccine is 100 percent effective 
2. Protective antibody levels usually develop two to three weeks after getting the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. As a result, it is possible to become infected during this period.
3. Vaccines have been shown to prevent disease, but not infection. The Covid-19 vaccines are effective at preventing mild symptoms, severe disease, and hospitalizations. However, even if a person is fully vaccinated, he or she can become infected if exposed to the virus.

What precautions should be taken after vaccination?

Experts advise fully vaccinated individuals to continue following Covid-19-related safety measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining appropriate social distancing, avoiding mass gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing their hands as often as possible.

What should one do if they test positive for Covid-19 after vaccination?

According to experts, if a person experiences Covid-19 symptoms, they should immediately isolate themselves from other family members and contact their doctor. They must treat it the same as if they had contracted it prior to vaccination. An RT-PCR test can help determine whether a person has contracted the virus (which is not a side effect of vaccination) and the severity of symptoms. The results of laboratory tests and CT scans will be used to help determine the treatment regimen and hospitalization.