Nanjing will launch a comprehensive vaccination against COVID-19, an effective means of preventing and controlling the pandemic and lowering the infection risk. Following are some questions and answers related to the vaccination program.

Who are the recipients?

To help achieve the goal of herd immunity, the vaccine will only be administered to clinically healthy individuals aged 18 and above including those who are over 60 years old.

What vaccine is used and how to be administrated?

Nanjing will use the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech.

The inactivated COVID-19 vaccine is given in two doses, 14 to 28 days apart. Individuals who have received one dose of the vaccine should receive a second dose in 28 days, or try to get the second dose as soon as possible in order to make it effective.

 Is the vaccine safe and effective?

There are very strict regulations governing the entire process of vaccine development, testing, approval, storage, transportation and vaccination in China. The COVID-19 vaccines currently used in China have all conducted clinical studies in accordance with the regulations, received approval from the National Medical Products Administration, and  passed rigorous inspection before being used. There’s a comprehensive cold-chain system for storage and transportation, implemented strictly in accordance with the specifications. Medical units and personnel involved in the vaccination program have all undergone professional training and strict reviews, and will administrate the vaccine in line with operation standards and protocols. China has also established a platform for nation-wide coordination and electronic vaccine tracing, which covers the whole process traceability information on vaccine production, circulation and vaccination.

Preliminary clinical trials have shown that the vaccine has a distinctive protective effect. A small number of people have redness, swelling, lump or pain at the shot site. Very few people have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, headache and muscle aches, which usually do not require treatment and can recover in 1-2 days.

Is it necessary to get the vaccine?

Yes, it is very necessary.

The COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted by respiratory droplets and close contact. Almost everybody is susceptible to the virus.

To stop the spread of the virus requires the formation of herd immunity. A safe and effective vaccine is the most powerful weapon against the pandemic. Vaccination helps the body develop immunity against the virus, reducing the occurrence of severe disease and mortality.

Is it free?

According to current national policy, the vaccine is free of charge and there is no cost to the individual resident.

How to book an appointment to get vaccination?

Those who are eligible for the vaccination can book an appointment in the following ways:

1.  The employer will register collectively for employees and then book an appointment with the local health committee (the telephone numbers and emails are attached)

2. Individuals can choose to register with the community committee (village), which will collectively book an appointment with the local health committee, or through the online "Vaccination Pass" platform that will open soon.  Individuals can also directly contact the local health committee to get vaccination.

Who shouldn’t get the vaccine?

Individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine; patients with uncontrolled severe chronic diseases, epilepsy, encephalopathy and other progressive neurological diseases; people with allergies, personal or family history of mental illness, thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic diseases, or impaired immune function (such as malignant tumors, nephrotic syndrome, AIDS patients)  should use the vaccine with caution. Patients with acute diseases should delay vaccination.

Pregnant and lactating women and women who are planning to become pregnant within 3 months should delay the vaccination.

At the time of vaccination, please read the informed consent carefully and take the initiative to inform the medical staff of your health condition, with which the doctor will help made the decision.

The vaccine is not recommended for people previously infected.

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