The CoWin platform for COVID 19 vaccine registration crashed minutes after it was opened at 4 pm today to every one over 18 years of age. Though the government’s Aarogya Setu soon tweeted that CoWin was working after a “minor glitch at 4 PM that was fixed,” many of those who got through the first step had celebrated too soon.
Just as soon as they selected their year of birth they were informed that registration was open only to those who were over 45 years of age. Those 45 and above became eligible for the vaccine a month ago on April 1 and registration was to open today for those above 18. Aarogya Setu confirmed that in its tweet, saying, “18 plus can register.”
With India in the grip of a deadly second wave of coronavirus, thousands rushed to sign up for the vaccine as registration opened for slots from May 1. CoWin’s overloaded servers promised OTPs that people complained they never received.
The Centre had on the weekend emphasised that any one who wants the vaccine must register for it.