Paytm launches vaccine appointment booking feature on mobile app

On Monday, Paytm, a fintech players, launched vaccine appointment booking feature on its mobile app for its users.

Paytm said, "Paytm users can now explore, find and book the available vaccination slots for both Covaxin and Covishield vaccines at the nearby centre via the Paytm app. The feature would benefit Indians effortlessly book vaccination slots and gain immunity, assisting in combating the ongoing pandemic."

CoWIN head Mr. R S Sharma said, “A large number of firms, including digital entities such as MakeMyTrip, Paytm, Infosys, are eyeing at approval for providing vaccine bookings.

In May 2021, the government had published new guidelines for the integration of CoWIN with third-party requests, improving the route for such apps to extend vaccine bookings.

Formerly, companies such as Google and Facebook and start-ups like HealthifyMe launched a few tools to assist citizens to find available vaccination slots for appointments.

Platforms such as GetJab and Under45 gained popularity rapidly as they notified users when vaccine slots were available and then directed them to guarantee an appointment at CoWIN platform.

In May 2021, Paytm launched 'Vaccine Finder' feature on its app to facilitate the user obtain leads for vaccine booking, including info such as fee charged for vaccines, the type of vaccine available, etc.

A Paytm spokesperson said, "It is our effort to support India combat this pandemic and come out stronger. Our vaccine finder feature would enable citizens effortlessly book slots at the nearby centre and get a jab.”

India has been speeding up vaccination drive to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the country administered vaccinations > 25.4 crore to eligible beneficiaries.

The government has been commencing vaccinations in a phased manner, starting with citizens > 60 years, then for citizens > 45 years and in recent times, for citizens aged between 18-44 years.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.