New WhatsApp feature: Users can download this most critical certificate easily; here is how to do it

Even as the pandemic shows no sign of slowing down, the attempts to defeat the virus by providing as much information as possible to everyone are continuing apace. WhatsApp has just jumped on to this bandwagon.

This WhatsApp feature will ensure users have easy access to their Covid-19 vaccine certificates at all times. (REUTERS)

WhatsApp has just taken a very big jump in making its own contribution in the larger fight against Covid-19 pandemic. WhatsApp is adding a feature that will be most welcome as the lockdown restrictions ease. WhatsApp has just collaborated with the Central Government and, for users, this will have the great benefit of being able to download their Covid-19 Vaccine Certificates. Earlier people had to log in to the CoWIN website or the Aarogya Setu app, but since most people use WhatsApp virtually on an hourly basis, having the vaccine certificate stored on it will be extremely helpful and save a lot of time and effort. This can be done via the MyGov Corona Helpdesk WhatsApp Chatbot.

Now, all that the users have to do, to get the MyGov Corona Helpdesk WhatsApp Chatbot, is to save this number on your smartphone: +91 9013151515. Once it is saved, find it in your WhatsApp contact list and start chatting. Type “Download certificate” in the chat box and send it. The chatbot will then send you a six-digit OTP on your registered mobile number. Once you receive the OTP, type it in the chat box and send it.

Once the OTP has been confirmed, it will send you a message showing the name with which the number is registered and ask you to type ‘1' to download the vaccination certificate. It will then send you your certificate and you can download it and store it in a safe place or just keep it there in the chat history. It will be extremely easy to locate whenever you need it.

Apart from sending your certificate, you can also type ‘Menu' in the chat box to check out what other actions it can do. For example, it can tell you what to do if you experience Covid-19 symptoms, help find centers for getting vaccinated, help you receive professional advice about ways to improve immunity, give useful alerts, bust myths about Covid-19, etc.

Best part is that the interaction with the WhatsApp bot can be done in different languages. It can provide all information in either English or Hindi. To get information in Hindi, all you have to do is send it a message saying ‘Hindi.'