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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HK$5000 Spending E-vouchers for All Residents - HK 2021 Budget

Last February 2021, as part of the 2021 fiscal budget of Hong Kong, the government announced a distribution of HK$5,000 (US$645) to all residents and new arrivals 18 years old and above. A measure that would benefit some 7.2 million residents and would cost the government about HK$36 billion.

 

Photo courtesy of www.thestandard.com.hk

The handouts will be in the form of electronic spending coupons, to be distributed in stages of HK$1,000 per month, thru existing e-payment tools licensed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.  Primary among those e-payment operators that the government may tap are Octopus, Alipay and PayMe.  The measure aims to invigorate spending and boost consumer confidence, alleviating the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, that has seen a 6.1% decline in the economy.

It would also incentivize small and medium-sized merchants to install e-payment terminals in their establishments for them to benefit from the consumer activity the scheme would produce.

The government chose electronic payment for security and swiftness, after 80% of the applicants from last year's HK$10,000 handouts were made online.

As of this writing, the application guideline and where to apply for the e-vouchers has yet to be announced. However, it is eagerly anticipated by all, especially those that did not qualify from last year's handouts.

Related Government Link: Consumption vouchers set

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