Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in Zhejiang

Acting on the State Council’s instruction, Zhejiang has started COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in the city. The following are answers to TEN most asked questions by foreign nationals in Zhejiang:

Q1: What is the age requirement for COVID-19 vaccination?

Foreign nationals at the age of 18 and above in Zhejiang (except for embassy and consular staff, and foreign Chinese) are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

Q2: What type of vaccine will be used?

China's domestic inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine(Vero Cell) will be used, and two doses are required. The second dose will be given 14-28 days or 21-28 days after the first dose, as will be specified in the vaccine fact sheet. Vaccine type may vary according to types and supply at the vaccination station.

Q3: How to make an appointment for vaccination?

Foreign nationals in Zhejiang who are eligible for taking vaccines may make the vaccination appointment through the following ways: 1) if foreign nationals are employed, they can make the appointment through the employer, and their employer will collect all the information and book for its employees with the local health department; 2) individuals can make the appointment through their residential community (village) offices, and the latter will book with the local health department; 3) individuals can book the vaccination appointment directly with the local designated hospitals.

Q4: What documents should be provided for vaccination?

Foreign nationals should provide valid documents when making appointments and present their passports and valid residence permits at the vaccination site. Please make sure that relevant documents are valid on the date of taking each dose.

Q5: What papers should I sign?

Before inoculation, you will be required to sign both a letter of informed consent and a statement of bearing personal responsibility for all risks associated with vaccination. You should also take necessary precautions and inform the on-site medical professionals of your health condition so that they can decide if you are suitable for inoculation or not.

Q6: Should I pay for the vaccine?

Foreign nationals who have been covered by Zhejiang’s social medical insurance scheme may take vaccine free of charge by presenting due insurance document at the vaccination site. Those who have not should bear the cost of RMB 100 per dose on their own.

Q7: What care should I take after taking vaccine?

You should stay at the vaccination site for 30 minutes of observation after getting vaccinated, and may then leave if you have no adverse reaction. Keep the injection point dry on the day of vaccination and maintain personal hygiene. You should immediately seek medical help and alert the vaccine provider if you develop a persistent fever or other symptoms.

Q8: How do I get the vaccination certificate?

When completing the vaccination, you can get the COVID-19 vaccination certificate from the staff at the vaccination site.

Q9: Do I need to wear a mask after being vaccinated?

Vaccination will produce immunity from COVID-19 and greatly reduce infection risks. However, no vaccine is 100 percent effective; some people may have insufficient antibodies after taking vaccine and they can still be vulnerable to infection, especially when an immunologic barrier is not yet created. So it is important that you should wear masks, wash hands regularly, and keep social distance.

Q10: Do I still have to take nucleic acid test after being vaccinated?Can my vaccine taking certificate substitute for nucleic acid test report?

Vaccine taking can reduce infection risks, but no vaccine is 100 percent effective. When necessary, foreign nationals should still take nucleic test as required.