Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in Hunan

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

Currently, only foreigners who are 18 years old or above are eligible for vaccination.

Q2: Which vaccine will I receive?

Currently an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Vero cell) vaccine and a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell vaccine, both made in China, are being used in Hunan province. A full course of SARS-CoV-2 (Vero cell) vaccine consists of two doses at the interval of three weeks at least and eight weeks at most. The Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell vaccine consists of three doses, interval among each dose should be at least four weeks. The second dose should be given no later than eight weeks after the first dose, and the third dose no later than six months after the first dose. Please refer to the specific instructions before vaccination. The instructions may change depending on the vaccine type later supplied at the vaccination site.

Q3: How to make an appointment for vaccination?

Foreign citizens meeting the requirements for vaccination may book your vaccination in the following ways: Those who have an employer are supposed to apply to your employer who will collect the booking information and make appointment with the local health authority; individuals without an employer may book your vaccination with the community (village) where you live, which will collect the booking information and make appointment with the local health authority; individuals may also book vaccination directly with the designated hospital in your community.

Q4: What documents are required for vaccination?

Foreigners need to provide a valid ID when making the appointment of vaccination, and to provide their passport and valid residency permit on the spot of vaccination. Please make sure that the relevant certificates are within validity.

Q5: What kind of papers need to be signed?

Before the vaccination, an informed consent and a letter of commitment need to be signed at the same time. You should also take personal protection measures and inform medical staff on site of your health condition so that they can decide if you are suitable for inoculation or not.

Q6: Should I pay for the vaccination?

Foreign nationals who have been covered by Hunan’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 100 yuan per dose on their own.

Q7: Is there some dos and don’t s after vaccination?

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 pay attention to 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 medical 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, none of the vaccines can be guaranteed for a 100 percent protective effect; some people may have insufficient antibodies after the vaccination and they can still be vulnerable to infection, especially when an immunologic barrier is not yet created. So it is important to 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 cooperate with relative departments and take nucleic test as required.

Q11：Where are the designated vaccination sites and who should I contact for appointment and consultation?