Kolkata: Now, book 2nd jab via WhatsApp chatbot

KOLKATA: Now chat with a web robot to fix a schedule for the jab at a KMC vaccination centre. The civic body utilised the two-day weekend break to introduce a chatbot — a software application used to conduct an online chat conversation via text using artificial intelligence — that will guide people seeking the second vaccine dose and help book a slot to avoid crowding. In the first phase, KMC will offer the service for its centres at Bidhan Sishu Udyan, South City School and Roxy Cinema building. It will thereafter be extended to is centres in various wards. The Covid vaccination appointment booking system can be accessed through the WhatsApp number 8335999000. A person has to type “Hi” and the bot will then respond, guiding the person through the rest of the process. “Bookings for inoculation on May 18 will start from 10am on May17,” said an official. The KMC is offering the service in association with the state health department. According to the KMC board of administrators’ chairman Firhad Hakim, the facility would be made available for 45+ recipients at specified KMC clinics. KMC is offering the second dose of Covaxin at some of its clinics. Frontline Covid…
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