(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
People who can take the "fourth dose (second booster shot)" of the COVID-19 vaccine:
1. The elderly (over 60 years old)
2. Population who have severe underlying diseases
3. Population who have a weak immune system
The time gap between the first and second booster shots should be longer than 6 months. For the elderly, the time gap between the first and second boosters shot should be longer than 3 months.
The elderly who should not take vaccination:
1. The elderly have had severe allergic reactions after vaccination, such as anaphylactic shock and laryngeal edema.
2. The elderly have entered the final stage of their severe chronic disease.
The elderly who are in these conditions can take vaccinations in stable conditions:
1. The elderly whose acute infectious diseases are in the febrile stage.
2. The elderly whose severe chronic diseases are in the acute stage of attack, such as tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients with hypertension crisis, patients with coronary heart disease and have a myocardial infarction, patients with autoimmune nervous system diseases which are in the advanced stage, and patients with epilepsy are in the attack stage.
Why people should take vaccination
It is never too late to get the vaccination. Generally, it takes one or two weeks to produce antibodies after vaccination. It takes about 4 weeks after full immunization to produce relatively high levels of antibodies. The time to produce antibodies after strengthening immunity is faster and shorter, and the antibodies produced are more elevated. Therefore, the earlier you get vaccinated, the more effectively you can protect yourself.
The COVID-19 vaccine is remarkably effective in preventing severe disease and death. Although vaccination may not prevent people from being infected ideally, it reduces the possibility of severe illness and death, especially if fully vaccinated.
Author | Clarice
Editors | Wing, Nan, Monica, Jerry
Data source | National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China
