Covid-19 Vaccine, 1st Dose Done

The Covid-19 vaccination program of Hong Kong government had resumed, last April 5, for those booked for the BioNTech, Cominarty vaccine. The program was initially suspended due to some vials having some packaging issues. After the investigation by vaccine manufacturer—Pfizer--cleared the issue, the government resumed the vaccination.  Those that had their bookings cancelled received SMS messages of their new vaccine schedule.

Covid-19 Vaccine Reschedule SMS

I’m happy to say that I’m one of those that received their new schedule at the same venue we initially booked.

I arrived at the vaccination center at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Center, as scheduled, and happy to say that there’s no queue at the center.

Covid-19 Vaccine Booking Reference

I showed my SMS booking and scanned the Leave Home Safe app at the entrance of the complex.  Then, after going in, I again showed the SMS booking and my HKID at the booth.  They gave me a leaflet with information regarding the vaccine and a pen for me to tick the consent box on the leaflet after reading it.  We were given a seat inside the center to conduct the reading.

Covid-19 Vaccine Leaflet and Sticker

After reading and returning the pen in a collection box, I proceed to step 2, where patients were separated to each clinical booth to receive the vaccine.  The health officer asked for my HKID to scan and verified my personal information.  She then asked me some questions regarding my health background and asked for my consent to receive the vaccine.  I had to inform her that I do have some food allergies, so she advised that I stayed at the observation area for 30 minutes after getting the shot.

The actual jab was very quick and painless. I was surprised that it was done in a second.

She gave me a paper with information about my first dose of vaccine, the time it was administered and when to get my second dose.

I went to the rest area, where each seat was numbered and rested for the required 30 minutes.

Me with my jab

After that’s done, they gave me a packet of face mask on my way out.

Free Packet of Face Mask

That’s it! My first jab of Covid-19 vaccine is done.

I’m happy to say that I didn’t feel any pain, although I’m still observing myself.  From previous experience with other vaccines, I felt the pain and numbness at the jab area, the day after the shot.  Moving my arm from time to time actually helps in easing the pain more than letting it still for a long time.  I will update this entry should I feel any side effect tomorrow.

Here's to hoping there's nothing to update!

Have your vaccine recently? Or having a second thought? Tell me all about it at the comment section.   

Update April 17:

Felt only a little soreness on the location of the vaccine in the morning, but no impedement on my arm movement.

The soreness is gone by the evening.

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BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccination in Hong Kong, Cancelled

We were supposed to get our first shot of BioNTech vaccine last Saturday, March 28.  However, due to the recent news of inconsistency in the vaccine's packaging, the Hong Kong government decided to cancel the vaccination, pending the result of an investigation by BioNTech and Fosun Pharma--the importer of the vaccine in Hong Kong.

 

We received an SMS message 3 days before our reserved date.  It mentioned that a rescheduling arrangement would be sent on a separate message and to just wait for it.

 

SMS Message

We are now back on the waiting game and hoping that after the authorities had completed their investigation and found no systemic problem nor risk on the vaccine’s packaging, the inoculation would resume this week.

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Covid-19 Vaccination HK -- Domestic Workers Included

Good news to all domestic helpers in Hong Kong!  They are included in the priority list of individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccines, for free, which is currently being administered at various Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) and General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs).  Online booking is required to ensure that safety protocols are being followed.

 

How to book your vaccine shot appointment?

Online Booking Site

To book an appointment, simply go here.

Each CVC can only administer one type of vaccine, so you will need to choose which vaccine you would like to receive.  There are two types: Sinovac (Vero Cell) and BioNTech (Cominarty).

Cancellation of your booking can also be done on the above link.

 

What are needed to book an appointment?

To book, you will need:

·         Hong Kong ID number

·         Access to internet

·         Mobile number, where you’ll receive your booking confirmation

 

What is Sinovac (Vero Cell)?

Sinovac (Vero Cell) is a vaccine from China, used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 18 years and above.  The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) -SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which causes the immune system to produce anti-bodies and blood cells that would work against the virus, giving the immunized person protection against COVID-19.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 28 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

What is BioNTech (Cominarty)?

BioNTech (Cominarty) is a vaccine used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 16 years and above.  Unlike Sinovac, BioNTech uses mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside the body.  That immune response produces antibodies which protects the person from getting infected if the real virus enters the body.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 21 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

Are there side effects when getting the vaccine?

As with any vaccine, side effects can be expected at various degrees depending on each individual’s bodily reaction to the vaccine.  Some of the more common side effects, that may affect more than 1 in 10 people are:

Sinovac (Vero Cell)	BioNTech (Cominarty)
pain at the injection site	pain & swelling at the injection site
headache	tiredness
fatigue	headache
	nausea
	muscle pain
	joint pain
	chills, fever

 

There is also a remote chance of experiencing severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.  Signs of severe allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, dizziness, and weakness.

 

After the vaccination?

After vaccination, you will be required to stay in the observation area for 15 to 30 minutes.  Any adverse effect while in the observation area will be treated immediately.  The Department of Health (DH) is monitoring and collecting data on any adverse side effect experienced by everyone following the vaccination.

To reduce pain and discomfort to the area where the shot was administered, apply a hot compress, and gently exercise your arm.  Drink plenty of fluids if you experience a mild fever.

Seek professional advice from your doctor or other health care professional if you experience any of the following.  Make sure to inform your doctor about your vaccination and any medication you might have taken.

·         the pain or redness at the injection site increases after 24 hours from injection; or

·         your side effects do not seem to be going away in a few days; or

·         your side effects or symptoms are worrying you

 

Should I get the vaccine?

If you are included in the priority list, you are greatly encouraged to get the vaccine immediately.  However, the vaccination is wholly compulsory.  This is actually a great opportunity to take advantage off.  When getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but importantly, protecting those individuals that are in the high-risk category but cannot get the vaccine.  Those individuals include people with co-morbidity, pregnant, infants and children, and persons with known adverse effects to medicines.  Being healthy is not an excuse not to get vaccinated.

Will I be 100% immune to COVID-19 after getting vaccinated?

No, there is still a chance that you can contract or be a vector (carrier) of the virus after getting both doses.  However, the risk of getting a severe illness due to the virus is greatly reduced after immunization.  Also, at least 2-weeks is needed before the body can fully create the anti-bodies needed to fight the virus after vaccination.  In this regard, vaccinated individuals are still encouraged to mask up and follow all safety protocols.  Herd immunity, where at least 70% of the population is inoculated, is the goal for rolling the vaccination to the masses.  At this stage, the opportunity of the virus to find a new host or mutate is greatly reduced, and might even be completely irradicated.

 

What is Electronic Vaccination Record?

The Hong Kong government has set-up a website (www.evt.gov.hk) to facilitate public downloading of their own COVID-19 vaccination and testing record, as electronic version of the record.

 

What is Indemnity Fund?

The Indemnity Fund for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI Fund) with COVID-19 vaccine aims to provide financial support to eligible individuals who have proof of suffering unexpected serious adverse events (SAEs)—including death and serious injury—associated with COVID-19 vaccine.  To qualify, the SAE must be reported by medical professionals to the Department of Health, so make sure that you seek a doctor immediately, in case you’ve experience any side effect after vaccination.

The levels of maximum payouts for fatality or injuries relating to vaccination have been drawn up with reference to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).

Adverse Effect	Age at the age of last dose	Amount of Payout (per individual)
Death	under 40	HK$ 2,500,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,000,000
Injuries	under 40	HK$ 3,000,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,500,000

 

For more information about the vaccine and the vaccination program, visit the Hong Kong Government’s Covid Vaccine website here.

Covid Vaccine Banner

Their comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) are here.

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