Seven districts in Beijing have started administering booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. Why should ordinary people get it?

In just a few days, confirmed cases of COVID-19 have appeared in seven provinces including Beijing, and the new round of epidemic has made everyone nervous again. As ordinary people, in addition to taking daily precautions and complying with local epidemic prevention policies, we should also actively get vaccinated against COVID-19. At present, vaccination against COVID-19 is still the most effective measure to prevent COVID-19.

Recently, many places have started to strengthen the immunization work against COVID-19 and started to administer booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine. So far, according to incomplete statistics, more than 10 provinces including Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Heilongjiang, and Hubei have clearly started booster shots.

On October 19, Beijing's Dongcheng District, Chaoyang District, Haidian District, Tongzhou District, Shunyi District, Daxing District, and Pinggu District issued a notice on the booster shots of the new coronavirus vaccine. People aged 18 and above who have received the full course of the new coronavirus vaccine for more than 6 months and who have no special physical conditions can be vaccinated.

Regarding the "booster shot" vaccination, I believe everyone has a lot of questions. Why do ordinary people need to get a booster shot? Is the booster shot safe? Xiaohe will answer the questions for you below.

Understanding COVID-19 vaccine booster shots
1. What is the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?

The COVID-19 vaccine booster shot refers to an additional COVID-19 vaccine injection given a period of time after the full course of COVID-19 vaccination, thereby increasing the antibody titer in the body and enhancing the prevention of new coronavirus pneumonia.

2. Why do we need to get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Relevant studies have shown that the protective effect of the vaccine will decrease some time after vaccination (generally after 6 months).

If a booster shot is given at this time, the antibody level will increase more than tenfold; and it can be maintained at a relatively high level for another 6 months after vaccination.

In addition, in addition to increasing antibodies, booster vaccination also provides a broader antibody spectrum, which means it provides better protection against mutant strains.

3. Is it necessary for ordinary people to get a booster shot of the new coronavirus vaccine?

It is necessary. After ordinary people complete the full course of COVID-19 vaccination for a period of time, the antibody level in their bodies will decrease. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot can effectively increase the antibody level in the body and provide better protection against mutant strains.

Therefore, if your area has opened up a policy for ordinary people to receive booster shots of the new coronavirus vaccine, people aged 18 and above who have completed the full course of the new coronavirus vaccine for 6 months and have no special health conditions can receive the booster shot.

4. Which groups of people need to be vaccinated first?

(1) Key groups with high risk of infection and disease transmission, including people at border ports, customs, immigration, international transportation, medical and health care, prison-related personnel and people traveling abroad; people engaged in public security, fire protection, emergency, transportation, logistics (including cold chain), cold chain food, postal express, elderly care, mental health welfare, sanitation, etc. who maintain the basic operation of society; people in key positions responsible for the supply of basic living materials such as water, electricity, heating, coal and gas; people working in the education, service, manufacturing and labor-intensive industries; and people aged 60 and above who meet the vaccination conditions and have the need for vaccination.

(2) Personnel supporting and participating in major events, including those supporting and participating in the Winter Olympics, Winter Paralympics and other major events.

(3) Key areas that need to cooperate with epidemic prevention and control to strengthen immunization of relevant populations, including vaccine manufacturers, centralized isolation points, airports, large exhibition venues, etc.

5. Is the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot safe?

Safe. The COVID-19 vaccine booster shot has the same ingredients as the previously available COVID-19 vaccine, and has undergone multiple phases of clinical trials, so its safety is guaranteed and generally will not cause serious harm to the human body.

6. Can the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot be made from a vaccine with a different technological route?

Not recommended. Regarding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, current expert advice is to use the vaccine produced by the original vaccination company. If the same company is unable to meet the supply, a vaccine with the same technical route should be selected for vaccination.

7. Can the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot be administered together with the flu vaccine?

No. According to the recommendations of the "Technical Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccination (First Edition)" released this year, it is not recommended to vaccinate COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, and the interval between vaccination of other vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine should be greater than 14 days.

8. What should I pay attention to when getting the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?

Before vaccination: bring your ID card and other relevant documents; cooperate with staff’s questions.

After vaccination: Stay on site for at least 30 minutes and leave only if there is no adverse reaction; eat a light diet and drink plenty of water; personal protection must still be taken when traveling.

References:

[1] National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. Technical Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccination (First Edition).

Content produced by: Xiaohe Medical Classics

Medical review: Wang Mingming