Mysuru : A vaccine registration app, titled Co-Win Kar, is finally available for download on Google Play Store.

Authorities are experimenting with the app on a pilot basis in Mysuru city limits and it has seen more than 100 downloads so far. Use of the app will be extended across the state later.

Users have given the app the thumbs up, saying the registration process is easy. A unique feature of the app is that beneficiaries who select vaccination centres of choice must produce address proof within the vicinity of the centre.

Besides the app, potential beneficiaries can register on the website as well. The website was launched a few days ago. KH Prasad, Mysuru district health officer, said slots are being given to the public for the past two days. “On Day 1, we had given slots to 100 people, while on Day 2, we gave slots to 70 people. Only those who are eligible are given slots,” he said.
According to users, the app has several new features compared to the Co-Win website and the app developed by the Union health ministry. However, residents feel the real benefit of the app can be gauged only after a few days.

“Both the website and the app are fast. We can select things like preferred date to location. Everything is flexible,” said Prashant Raj, a resident of TK Layout. “The only challenge is to ensure dates issued through the app are honored at vaccination centres. This is a big headache as vaccine shortage has been reported from many places.”
When a person registers for the vaccine and selects an area pincode, s/he must furnish address proof that is within that pincode. Earlier, there were complaints that outsiders were using slots available in tier 2 cities and villages. “Once the app becomes operational, we can resolve this problem as beneficiaries need to produce a local address,” officials said.