Currently in Pakistan, anti-COVID 19 vaccination is available for free for unvaccinated healthcare workers or people aged 5 years or older.
The Government of Pakistan has launched National Immunization Management System (NIMS) for the purpose of COVID-19 vaccination in Pakistan. This system has been created in collaboration with Ministry of Health, National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), and Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) with an aim to safely implement COVID-19 registration and vaccination process.
In this article, we will give you information on steps to register for COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Registration Process in Pakistan
Registration Process for Frontline Healthcare Workers
Step 1: Eligibility Check for Frontline Healthcare Worker
Healthcare workers can check their eligibility by sending their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number to 1166 via SMS or visit the website of National Immunization Management System (NIMS).
You can watch this video produced by the Ministry of Health Services, Pakistan in Urdu for information on eligible frontline healthcare workers.
Step 2: Confirmation SMS
Adult Vaccination Centre (AVC) and PIN Code will be received via SMS.
Step 3: Appointment
When vaccine becomes available at the center, a second SMS to frontline worker will be received with the date of visit. Frontline Healthcare Worker will visit the Adult Vaccination Centre on date of appointment along with original CNIC and PIN Code.
Step 4: Verification Counter
Health Staff will check schedule on NIMS and verify CNIC & PIN Code at the verification counter.
Step 5: Vaccination Counter
Frontline Healthcare Worker will be vaccinated on their turn.
Step 6: Confirmation SMS
Vaccination Staff will confirm vaccine entry in NIMS and confirmation SMS will be sent to the frontline worker.
Step 7: Monitoring
After vaccine administration, the frontline worker will stay for 30 minutes for monitoring and observation.
Note: It should be noted that in case of two-dose vaccination, a message will be sent automatically after 7 days. The frontline healthcare workers can now visit any AVC for vaccine administration.
Registration Process for People aged 5 and Above
Step 1: Citizen Registration
All citizens of Pakistan aged 18 and above can register by sending their CNIC number through SMS to 1166. Citizens aged 5-17 years can register with their Child Registration Certificate (CRC) / B-Form number.
Step 2: Confirmation SMS
Designated Adult Vaccination Centre (AVC) and PIN Code will be intimated via SMS.
Step 3: Appointment SMS
Date of appointment upon availability of vaccine will be shared via SMS.
Step 4: Change of Adult Vaccination Centre
If the assigned vaccination center is outside of your Tehsil, you can call at 1166 or visit NIMS website within 5 days of receipt of confirmation SMS.
Step 5: Visit to Assigned Adult Vaccination Centre AVC
Visit designated AVC on date of appointment with original CNIC and PIN code
Step 6: Verification Counter
Health staff will verify your vaccination schedule on NIMs against your PIN and CNIC.
Step 7: Vaccination Counter
Go to vaccination counter on your turn and get vaccinated.
Step 8: Confirmation SMS
Vaccination Staff will confirm vaccine entry in NIMS and confirmation SMS will be sent.
Step 9: Observation
After vaccine administration, stay in observation room for 30 minutes. Report to health staff in case of any reaction.
It should be noted that in case of a two-dose vaccination, a message will be sent automatically after 7 days.
The Government of Pakistan has also provided a province wise list of COVID-19 Vaccination Centers.
Update
- Senior Citizens (50+) can register and just walk in to their nearest vaccination center to get a jab.
- Citizens aged 40-49 can register for vaccination. Vaccine Centre and date will be communicated through SMS. People aged 40 and above can now register and walk-in to their nearest center for vaccination.
- Citizens aged 30-49 can now register for vaccination starting May 16, 2021 and walk-in to their nearest center for vaccination.
- Citizens aged 18-29 can register for vaccination starting May 27, 2021. People aged 18 and above can now walk-in to the nearest vaccination center after new guidelines by NCOC released in June 2021.
- Citizens aged 17 can register for vaccination starting September 1, 2021 with their Child Registration Certificate / B-Form number.
- Children aged 15 years and above can receive COVID-19 vaccination starting September 1, 2021.
- Children aged 12 years and above can receive COVID-19 vaccination starting September 28, 2021.
- Citizens aged 18 and above can now get booster shots.
- Children aged 5 and above can get Pfizer BioNTech vaccine starting from September 19, 2022
Update - February 2022: Citizens who need to travel can get 1-2 additional doses of COVId-19 vaccine free of cost with a minimum gap of 21/28 days from previous dose.
Note: Only Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sinopharm vaccine will be administered to children aged 12 and above.
Important Information for Your Safety!
Additional dose(s) of the Coronavirus vaccine will be administered at individual’s own risk and in the case of children, (anyone below 18 years of age), at the risk of a parent or guardian.
You can read about the possible side effects of the Pfizer vaccine here. Also see these guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding Pfizer, Sinovac and Sinopharm.
The effects of additional doses and mixing COVID-19 vaccines is still under scientific study.
Second Dose Guidelines
A Message to Citizens will be sent automatically 48/24 hours before the due date from 1166.
The current minimum gap for 2 dose vaccines is as under:
- Sinopharm: 28 Days
- CoronaVac-Sinovac : 28 days
- Pfizer: 28 days
- Modena: 28 Days
- AstraZeneca : 28 days
Note: You can also go to your nearest vaccination center after 28 days to receive your second dose. You can also call 1166 or your nearest vaccination center for further assistance. Here is a list of vaccination centers across Pakistan.
How is COVID-19 Vaccine Administered (injected)?
According to Ministry of National Health Services Pakistan, the vaccines available in Pakistan to date are administered through an injection into upper arm muscles. The second dose of the vaccine is given within 3-4 weeks of initial dose.
For answers to your questions about vaccination in Pakistan, visit National Immunization Management System (NIMS) Frequently Asked Questions section in Urdu.
If you have already been vaccinated and you’re feeling any side effects, you can call 1166 with your CNIC number or visit NIMS website.
Sehat Taffuz Helpline
You can visit the Government of Pakistan COVID-19 Health Advisory Platform to get updates on vaccination related updates. You can also call the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166 made available by Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Coordination, Government of Pakistan.
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