Thanks to the concerted efforts of the entire country, we have achieved a victory in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic that has drawn worldwide attention. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic is still surging in the rest of world, and we are faced with tremendous pressure for continued COVID-19 prevention and control. We must remain cautious and maintain strict measures.

The most economical, effective, and scientific way to block the spread of COVID-19 is to build an immunity barrier through vaccinations. Vaccinations for the entire population hold the key to winning the battle against COVID-19. It is of great significance for us to build an effective immunity barrier in China.

Up to now, there have been more than two billion doses of vaccinations administered nationwide, and more than 30 million doses have been administered in Guangzhou. Mass population vaccination data has proven that our vaccine is safe and effective, and this has been especially true for the protection of at-risk patients with severe or critical illnesses.

We hereby advocate that people of appropriate age (currently over the age of 12 years old) and who have no contraindications be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The risk of severe symptoms, critical illnesses, and death for the elderly after contracting COVID-19 is several times greater than that of young people, so it is all the more necessary to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting fully vaccinated shows your responsibility for your own health, your family and friends, society, and for our country. Let's get vaccinated as soon as possible to build an immunity barrier together that will defeat COVID-19!

Guangzhou Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines

Sept 8, 2021

FAQs

1. What is COVID-19?

The coronavirus is any of a group of RNA viruses that cause a variety of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological diseases in humans and other animals such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has never been found in the human body until last year.

2. How is COVID-19 transmitted?

Currently, the main pathways of COVID-19 transmission are through respiratory droplet transmission and contact transmission.

3. Who can be infected with COVID-19?

People of all ages can be infected. Most infections are found in adults. The elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and those who are sick are more likely to be infected. People aged 60 and above are at a higher risk of becoming critically ill and could die after being infected with COVID-19.

4. For elderly people who rarely go out, is it necessary to be vaccinated?

Recently, the National Health Commission and relevant departments have revised the protection guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control of key populations in key places, and they have clarified that special groups such as the elderly are high-risk groups.

Experts have stated that because of the higher number of underlying diseases in the elderly who are 60 years of age and older, will suffer more after being infected with COVID-19. Additionally, the severe illness rate and death rate are much higher in the elderly than those of young people. Even if seniors do not go out often, other family members may bring COVID-19 back home to their elderly relatives. Research data has shown that vaccination against COVID-19 greatly reduces the mortality rate of the elderly as well as the hospitalization rate of the elderly who are over 80 years old. Therefore, it is extremely important and necessary for people who are 60 years of age and older to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the most economical and effective way to stay safe. We kindly ask people who are 60 years old and above and who suffer from chronic diseases, but are in otherwise good health, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

5. What symptoms will a person experience after being infected with COVID-19?

People who contract COVID-19 experience common symptoms including respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. They may also have no symptoms at all. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Currently, there is no specific treatment for the disease caused by COVID-19.

6. How do we prevent COVID-19 infections?

(1) Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective and economical way to prevent infections.

(2) Practice self-protection by washing hands, wear a mask, practice safe eating habits, and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory disease such as coughing and sneezing.

(3) Avoid unnecessary trips, wear masks, wash hands frequently, and avoid gatherings.

(4) Take appropriate actions to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. See a doctor and immediately report your health condition after symptoms occur such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, decreased sense of smell (or taste), and diarrhea.

7. Is the new COVID-19 vaccine free?

China offers the COVID-19 vaccine as a public welfare product and provides free vaccination for all people.

8. How can the elderly make a vaccination appointment?

For people aged 60 and above with stable health conditions, it is recommended to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The elderly can make an appointment at either the community center or community health service center. In order to provide better service, the elderly may go to their nearest community health service center with his or her most recent health examination report to receive a free basic health check for doctors to evaluate.

Please note that when any person aged 75 or above goes for his or her shots, it is recommended that a family member or community volunteer accompany that person to the vaccination site.

9. What should I do when I go to the COVID-19 vaccination site?

(1) Bring an ID card.

(2) Wear a mask and maintain at least 1 meter away from others throughout the entire process.

(3) Cooperate with the healthcare workers who perform the information check.

(4) Truthfully report your health status, vaccination contraindications, and other relevant information to the doctor so that an accurate evaluation can be made as to whether or not you are suitable for vaccination.

(5) After vaccination, you must stay at the vaccination site for 30 minutes while under observation. You may leave if no abnormality is observed. If you feel unwell, you should immediately report your condition to the doctor.

(6) After leaving the vaccination site, if discomfort occurs, persists, or worsens, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

10. Who should postpone their COVID-19 vaccination?

(1) Those who have experienced allergic reactions after having been previously vaccinated with the same type of COVID-19 vaccine.

(2) Those who have experienced severe allergic reactions to vaccines from previous vaccination inoculations (such as acute allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock, angioedema and dyspnea).

(3) Those with an elevated fever (body temperature of over 37.3 C) caused by any reason (such as a cold, inflammation, tumor and rheumatic immune disease).

(4) Those who suffer from an acute disease or active chronic disease (for detailed information, please consult the staff at the vaccination site).

(5) Those who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus (confirmed or asymptomatic) within the past 6 months.

(6) Women who are pregnant.

(7) Those who are deemed unsuitable for vaccination by doctors or vaccination staff.

11. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine together with other vaccines?

It is not recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines. Other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, should be administered more than 14 days apart from the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is suitable to get a rabies vaccine, tetanus vaccine, or immunoglobulin (due to animal injuries, trauma), alongside the COVID-19 vaccine.

12. Can COVID-19 vaccines from different manufacturers be mixed?

At this stage, it is recommended to use the vaccine from the same manufacturer for a full vaccination. In special circumstances, such as a shortage of the same vaccine, a recipient who has get vaccinated at another location and who is unable to be vaccinated with the same vaccination product for the subsequent inoculation, then similar vaccine products from other manufacturers may be used to complete the vaccination. For example, if the first shot was the Beijing Kexing Vero vaccine, then the Beijing Biotech vaccine (including vaccines produced by Lanzhou Biologics, Chengdu Biologics, and Changchun Biologics) may be used for the second dose. At present, there is only one approved manufacturer of the CHO vaccine, therefore there is no alternative vaccine for this kind.

13. What dietary precautions should be taken during the COVID-19 vaccination period?

After vaccination, there are generally no special dietary restrictions. Simply try to maintain balanced nutrition and regular meals. Excessive drinking is generally not recommended, although drinking will not affect the effectiveness of the vaccine or increase the incidence of adverse reactions. However, the discomfort after drinking will mask the possible adverse reactions from your vaccination and may delay proper treatment. If you experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, etc., rest and drink plenty of warm water.

14. What should I do if I don't get my second dose in time?

If your vaccination is not completed according to the set schedule, it is recommended to receive the inoculation as soon as possible. The immunization program does not need to be restarted; just complete the corresponding doses.

15. What adverse reactions can occur after vaccination?

Common adverse reactions include headache, fever, fatigue, localized redness, pain, and lumps around the injection site. These symptoms usually disappear on their own within one to three days without the need for treatment.

16. For which symptoms do I need to see a doctor or be sent for emergency treatment?

Anaphylactic shock caused by vaccination usually occurs within 30 minutes after vaccination. According to China's vaccination work guidelines, recipients are required to remain under observation for 30 minutes in the designated area of the vaccination site before leaving.

If the recipient develops urticaria, allergic purpura, high fever, shock, or other serious health conditions after having left the vaccination site, he/she should immediately seek medical attention and report his or her vaccination history to the doctor.

17. After vaccination, what measures should I take to prevent infection?

In addition to vaccination, the following preventive measures should be taken for related diseases caused by COVID-19.

(1) Reduce your amount of time away from home. Don't visit crowded places and avoid close contact with anyone with a cold or flu-like symptoms.

(2) Wear a mask when going out to public places, especially when going to a hospital or taking public transport.

(3) Wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer or soap, wash hands with running water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

(4) When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue.

(5) Keep rooms and workplaces clean, open windows frequently, and maintain good ventilation.

(6) Drink plenty of water, rest, avoid staying up late, and exercise moderately to improve your immunity. Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet.

(7) Ask your family members and friends to get their COVID-19 vaccinations so that we all can do our part to help stop the spread of the virus.