Guangzhou and many cities across China have recently optimized COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Vaccination has drawn public attention under current epidemic response. Do people infected with COVID-19 need to be vaccinated? Who can receive inhaled vaccines?
On December 5, Guangzhou's medical experts specializing in immunization planning and community health services shared their views on residents' concerns for vaccination.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Inhaled vaccines dispatched to Guangzhou's communities
Recently, inhaled vaccines are being introduced to Guangzhou's community health service centers. Now, inhaled vaccine training is completed at the city and district level, according to Zhang Zheqiang, Deputy Director of Yunpu Subdistrict Community Health Service Center, Huangpu District.
"The inhaled vaccine is intended for people aged 18 and over," Zhang added, "It is now only serving as a booster."
In addition, Zhang pointed out that though the inhaled vaccine goes through the respiratory tract, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and abnormal pulmonary function are not fully excluded from the vaccination. They may get vaccinated upon doctors' evaluation.
No need for vaccination within 3 months after recovery from COVID-19
Current regulations require a 14-day interval between the COVID-19 vaccine reception and that of other vaccines.
Zhang Chunhuan, Deputy Director of the Immunization Planning Department of Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that the inactivated vaccine, the recombinant protein vaccine, and the adenovirus vector vaccine are more than 90% effective against severe cases and death.
"Eligible residents are all encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible." Zhang suggested.
People who have recovered from COVID-19 (including previous confirmed patients and asymptomatic cases) may get one dose of vaccine 6 months after recovery based on adequate notification. In other words, infected patients in recent outbreak need not to be vaccinated in the following 3 months.
Antigen test result: a helper but no yardstick
"We encourage children aged above three years old to be vaccinated." Chen Jian, Chief Physician of the Immunization Planning Department of Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told GDToday.
Antigen tests are quick and convenient. However, according to Chen, antigen test results are not replacing those of nucleic acid tests when confirming COVID-19 cases in hospitals.
Author | Hannah, Riz Zhang (intern)
Editor | Wing, Steven, Will, Jerry
