Q&A on COVID-19 vaccination in China

5. Is it necessary to maintain prevention and control measures after vaccination?

Since no vaccine can provide 100 percent protection, a few vaccinated individuals could still get infected. The population immunity barrier has not been established at present. People still need to wear masks, maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene after vaccination.

6. What to do when an adverse reaction occurs?

According to the informed consent for vaccination, side effects include pain, itching, swelling, numbness and redness at the area where the shot is given, and other reactions include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, headache, cough, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and allergy.

Places providing vaccinations are required to have medical rescue ability and be associated with local hospitals. Those receiving a vaccination must remain at the service site 30 minutes before leaving.

7. Is it okay if people don't want to be vaccinated?

Vaccination is voluntary. But China has planned to build a population immunity barrier, which can only be established when the vaccination rate reaches 60 to 70 percent. The general public is encouraged to get vaccinated.

8. Have Chinese vaccines received any overseas certification?

So far, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain have approved Sinopharm's inactivated vaccines. Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Singapore, Chile, Malaysia and Ukraine have ordered the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine from Sinovac Biotech Ltd.