There are many questions about the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, Yaowa will answer them for you

Recently, the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine independently developed by my country National Biotec Group has been launched on the market! On the first day of the new year, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council announced that the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine will be free for all people, which is undoubtedly the best New Year gift for the people of the country.

As soon as the news came out, many friends came to pharmacists to consult about the vaccination of the new crown inactivated vaccine. Yaowa has compiled some frequently asked questions here to answer your questions!

Question: I will be 18 in one month. Can I still get the vaccine?

A: The age range for the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine is 18 to 59 years old, and the person must be at least 18 years old on the birth date on his or her ID card to be vaccinated. The age range may be expanded in the future based on the results of clinical trials.

Q: I am in the process of preparing for pregnancy. Can I get vaccinated now? Can I have a baby after getting vaccinated?

A: The contraindications in the instructions for the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine require that pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not be vaccinated. Therefore, women who are planning to get pregnant should appropriately postpone pregnancy after vaccination. Referring to other inactivated vaccines, it is recommended to get pregnant 3 months after vaccination.

Question: Is the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine a blood product?

Answer: No. The main ingredient of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine currently on the market in my country, which is independently developed, is the inactivated COVID-19 virus, and is a biological product.

Question: Can people with diabetes and high blood pressure get vaccinated?

A: These chronic diseases can be vaccinated if they are in a relatively stable condition. If they are in an acute attack, such as hypertensive crisis or acute gout attack, vaccination should be postponed. Chronic disease patients should pay attention to observe adverse reactions after receiving the new crown inactivated vaccine. If any symptoms related to adverse reactions occur, they should report to the vaccination site staff in time and seek medical treatment in time if necessary.

Question: I have taken cold medicine (compound acetaminophen capsules) and the cold symptoms no longer exist. Can I get the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine?

A: You cannot get the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine when you have a cold. You can get the vaccine after you recover from the cold.

Question: Can I drink alcohol after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine?

Answer: After vaccination, it is recommended not to drink alcohol within three days.

Question: I am 52 years old and suffer from hypothyroidism. Can I get the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Patients with hypothyroidism who are taking a stable dose of levothyroxine can be vaccinated. It is recommended to have your thyroid function checked before vaccination to assess whether you can be vaccinated given your current condition.

Question: I just received the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine today. I feel a little weak, sleepy, and have a poor appetite. Will there be any problem?

A: These are mild adverse reactions and generally do not require treatment. Remember to drink plenty of water and rest. Usually, you will recover on your own after 2 to 3 days. If the symptoms do not improve, you need to report to the vaccination site staff and seek medical attention if necessary.

Question: If you are a carrier of hepatitis B virus and are undergoing tenofovir antiviral treatment and have normal liver and kidney function, can you get the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine?

Answer: Vaccination is not recommended.

Q: Can I get vaccinated during my menstrual period?

Answer: You can get vaccinated normally.

In addition to the questions answered above, Yaowa has also listed the official circumstances under which the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine should be postponed, which can be used as a reference when making an appointment for the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine:

1. Aged less than 18 or greater than 59;

2. Those who are allergic to any component of the vaccine, or have had severe allergic reactions to the vaccine in the past, such as acute allergic reactions, urticaria, skin eczema, dyspnea, angioedema or abdominal pain;

3. People with fever, acute diseases, serious chronic diseases, or those in the acute stage of chronic diseases;

4. Pregnant and lactating women, and women who plan to have children within 3 months of vaccination;

5. Those with a history or family history of convulsions, epilepsy, encephalopathy or mental illness; those with uncontrolled epilepsy and other progressive neurological diseases, and those with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome;

6. Those who have been diagnosed with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, HIV infection, lymphoma, leukemia or other autoimmune diseases;

7. Those who are known or suspected to have severe respiratory diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, or malignant tumors;

8. Those who use anti-tumor drugs or other immunomodulators;

9. Those with a history of infection with the new coronavirus;

10. The clinical physician or vaccination staff considers the person unsuitable for vaccination.

If you are not aware of your own situation, please consult a medical staff before vaccination. The medical staff will determine whether you meet the vaccination conditions. Do not believe rumors.

Author: Kang Sha, Chief Pharmacist of Zunyi Maternal and Child Health Hospital

Review expert: Chen Qi, deputy director and pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department of Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital

Liu Guiyang, Director of the Pharmacy and Pharmacology Department of the Fourth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital