FAQs on COVID-19 vaccination in Dongguan
2021-04-19 10:52     Source : Office of Leading Group for Vaccination Work of COVID-19 in Dongguan City

Q1.What type of vaccine is used in Dongguan?

The vaccines are inactivated COVID-19 vaccines made in China, which prevent the novel coronavirus from infecting and reproducing and at the same time cause an immune response within the body. Inactivated vaccines adopt the traditional vaccine production method, which is mature and reliable. Compared with other vaccines, inactivated vaccines enjoy multiple advantages: mature R&D platforms, reliable production technology, controllable quality and standards, rapid development rate, ease for production at scale, and have internationally recognized evaluation criteria of safety and efficacy.

Currently, other COVID-19 vaccines adopting different research and development technologies are successively coming into the market, and authorities will make due adjustments promptly. The assessment of a vaccine requires consideration of its safety, validity, accessibility and affordability.

Q2. How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are needed?

The vaccine currently used in Dongguan is an inactivated one against COVID-19, and the current, complete immunization program is two doses, within an interval of three to eight weeks. The vaccination procedures and methods of different vaccine products are different. For details, please refer to the instructions of vaccine products. Arbitrary adjustment of immunization program may affect safety, immune response effect and durability.

Q3. If I miss the second dose, what should I do?

For those who have not completed 2 or 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccination under the recommended schedule, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. The immunization program does not need to be restarted; just complete the corresponding doses. 

Q4. In what kind of situation people should not take the vaccine?

(1) Those who are allergic to the active ingredients of the vaccine, any inactive ingredients, substances used in the production process;

(2) Those who suffer acute diseases;

(3) Those who are at the acute stage of chronic disease;

(4) Those who are having a fever;

(5) Pregnant women.

Q5. Are people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and chronic gastritis eligible for vaccination?

People whose health conditions are stable and the chronic diseases are under control may get the vaccine, but its best to consult your doctor

Q6. Are the vaccines safe and effective?

The inactivated vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Sinovac Biotech Ltd., and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. was granted conditional authorization on December 30, 2020, February 5, 2021, and February 25, 2021, respectively. CanSino Biologics Inc.'s recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (a type 5 adenovirus vector vaccine) was approved for market access conditionally on February 25, 2021. The safety and effectiveness of the above vaccines have been verified following all procedures and requirements.

Q7. What care should the recipients take before and after the inoculation?

During the vaccination, the recipients should pay attention to and cooperate with the following matters:

Before vaccination, the recipients should fully understand relevant information about the COVID-19 disease, vaccine, and inoculation process in advance.

When going to get the vaccination, the recipients need to bring relevant documents as required (such as an ID card) and pay attention to self-protection. Please cooperate with the on-site vaccination staff in information inquiry, and inform the doctor of your health conditions and medicine allergy.

After vaccination, the recipients are required to stay 30 minutes for observation. Please keep the injection area covered, clean and avoid scratching the injection site. Should any adverse reactions suspected to be caused by the vaccine occur, the recipients must report to the vaccination institution and seek timely medical treatment if necessary. And the recipients should stay away from the known and other common allergens within one week after vaccination and try not to drink alcohol or eat spicy food and seafood. It is recommended to have a light diet, drink more water, and take a good rest.

Q8. What are the possible adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines?

According to previous clinical trials and the reported information in actual use, common adverse reactions from vaccination are similar to that of other vaccines that are widely used, which mainly include redness, swelling, induration, and pain at the injection site, as well as fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.

Editor: 谭晶