The first doses of COVID-19 vaccines were given to expats in Guangzhou at 9:30 am on April 13 at the Baiyun Branch of Nanfang Hospital, marking the moment that COVID-19 vaccinations became available for all foreigners in Guangzhou.

Expats line up to register before their first COVID-19 vaccination at the Baiyun Branch of Nanfang Hospital. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

About 60 expats received their COVID-19 vaccination at the Baiyun Branch of Nanfang Hospital that morning, 85 percent of whom were from the United Kingdom, with some from Australia and Canada. All these foreign citizens are covered by the country's medical insurance program, hence receiving COVID-19 vaccines free of charge, enjoying the same policy as insured Chinese people do.

An expat receives her COVID-19 vaccination at the hospital. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Foreign national David said that he had been looking forward to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and had enquired about it many times before. Once he learned about the COVID-19 vaccination plan for foreigners in Guangdong, he immediately applied for it via the "粤健通" WeChat mini-program.

Foreigners who are aged 18 to 59, plus some aged 60 and above who are in good health condition and who need to be vaccinated for special reasons, can get vaccinated.

A permanent residence identity card or passport with a valid residence permit should be presented at the designated site, while an informed consent and exemption commitment must be signed before vaccination.

The Baiyun Branch of Nanfang Hospital is among the first batch of designated COVID-19 vaccination sites for foreigners in Guangdong.