Q&A on COVID-19 vaccination in China

China has granted conditional marketing authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine, and many places have planned to carry out mass vaccinations. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about vaccination.

1. How can one make a reservation to get a shot? Who can get vaccinated as soon as possible?

On Dec 5, China started vaccinating key groups. Individuals in these groups could not make a reservation themselves; instead local authorities would arrange for these individuals to be vaccinated.

After vaccinating these key groups, China will arrange for elderly people and people with underlying diseases to get vaccinated. After that, local authorities will arrange for service to the general public.

People aged between 18 and 59 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination involves two shots, administered 14 days apart. The COVID-19 vaccines are provided to citizens for free.

2. Can individuals who need to leave the country for personal reasons get vaccinated as soon as possible?

Individuals going abroad for study or work should take their ID and other necessary documentation proving overseas travel to local authorities for approval. Local authorities would then arrange for vaccination according to the local situation.

Individuals are not allowed to carry vaccines out of the country without permission, which may violate the law at home and abroad.

3. Does the coronavirus mutation have any impact on the vaccines?

Current research has shown that the mutation of the new coronavirus is still within a normal range, and its impact on the effectiveness of the vaccine has not yet been determined. Scientists are still working on test kits, vaccines and medications for possible impacts due to future mutations.

4. Who is not eligible for vaccination?

Those who should not get vaccinated include pregnant women, lactating women and patients with the following diseases:

Patients in an acute stage of fever and infection; suffering from immune deficiency or immune disorder; having severe liver or kidney diseases; having uncontrolled hypertension, diabetic complications or malignant tumors;

Patients with other progressive nervous system diseases and mental diseases or family history of such diseases;

Patients who have been diagnosed with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, HIV infection, lymphoma, leukemia or other autoimmune diseases;

Patients with thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic disease, severe respiratory disease and severe cardiovascular disease.