3rd dose COVID vaccine: How to book 3rd dose of Covishield, Covaxin online, eligibility, gap, cost, and more | 91mobiles.com

Starting January 10th, the Government of India will start administering the third dosage of COVID vaccine to certain age and priority groups. The third dose aka precautionary or booster dose is said to strengthen the immunity system and fight back the increasing number of COVID-19 variants such as Omicron. This is in light of ongoing coronavirus cases despite many receiving the two recommended vaccination jabs. In this article, we’ll be telling you all the details regarding the COVID vaccine third dose, including a gap between 2nd and 3rd dose, eligibility, booking of vaccination slots, and more. So let’s begin.

3rd dose COVID vaccine (booster shot) eligibility

As per the government, only all the health care workers, front-line workers, and citizens aged 60 years or more are eligible to take the booster shot right now. The priority has been given to these groups as they are more prone to COVID-19. It is advisable for people having co-morbidities, especially those aged 60 and above, to seek medical consultation before taking the third dose. Currently, there’s no information as to if and when other age groups will be eligible to get the third jab. But as soon as we’ll hear something on that front, we’ll keep you updated on the same.

2nd and 3rd vaccine dose gap

If a person falls under the three categories stated above, he/she can take the booster shot from the nearby vaccine centre. However, there needs to be a gap of 39 weeks, i.e. 9 months, from the second dose of vaccine. The 2nd and 3rd dose gap has been prescribed by the government of India, and it applies to both Covaxin and Covishield vaccines. Alternatively, you can get to know the due date for the same by visiting the CoWIN portal and booking an appointment from there itself.

How to book COVID vaccine 3rd dose online

Booking the 3rd dose of COVID vaccine is just like booking the earlier two doses. Do note that, you don’t need to register as a fresh account. Just log in with the previously registered mobile number.

Book slot for 3rd dose of COVID vaccine on mobile

There are two methods to book a vaccination slot from a mobile phone. One through a browser and another through the government’s official WhatsApp chatbot. You can book the precautionary dose on a mobile browser by following the below-mentioned steps.

Via CoWIN portal

• From your mobile browser visit cowin.gov.in
• On the top right corner select ‘Register / Sign in’
• Now enter your phone number to get an OTP
• After filling in the received OTP, you’ll be logged in to your COWIN dashboard
• On this dashboard, if you’re eligible for the precautionary dose aka 3rd dose you’ll be able to book the vaccination slot
• Simply enter your pin code and check the available slots
• Select your preferred timing and place
• Download the appointment slip and you’re done
  

via WhatsApp

And here’s how you can book the 3rd COVID dose through WhatsApp.

• Add 9013151515 to your contact list or simply go to wa.me/919013151515 to directly open the chat on WhatsApp
• Type ‘Book slot’ in the chatbox and send it 
• You’ll receive an OTP via SMS for verification. Enter it.
• Now follow the steps as it’ll ask your preferred date and location of vaccination, pin code, and vaccine type
• Once done, you’ll get a confirmation regarding the appointment

Book slot for 3rd dose of COVID vaccine on computer

You can book the precautionary dose on a computer by following the below-mentioned steps.

• Visit cowin.gov.in on your computer/PC
• On the top right, you’ll find the option of ‘Register / Sign in’. Click on it.
• Now enter your phone number to get an OTP
• After filling in the received OTP, you’ll be logged in to your COWIN dashboard
• On this dashboard, if you’re eligible for the 3rd dose you’ll be able to book the vaccination slot for Covaxin or Covishield
• Simply enter your pin code and check the available slots
• Select your preferred timing and place
• Download the appointment slip and you’re done

FAQs

Here are some answers to some of the commonly asked queries related to the 3rd dose vaccine.

Are COVID vaccines 3rd dose or booster shot free?

The price of the booster shot depends upon the vaccination centre you visit. If it’s a government-assigned location like government schools and hospitals, the vaccine doses are free of cost. On the other hand, private hospitals charge a fixed amount according to the vaccine i.e. Covaxin and Covishield.

What is the cost of COVID vaccine 3rd dose in private hospitals?

The prices of 3rd dose of COVID vaccine remain the same as the previous two doses i.e. Covaxin at Rs 1,200 per dose and Covishield at Rs 780 per dose in private hospitals.