Vaccine Covid-19 FAQs

Why are 55 medical staff of Tropical Hospital still infected although already vaccinated 2 does against COVID-19?

This is normal, not in the case of the COVID-19 vaccine but in others. It likes you to get the flu shot every year but still get the flu, though it is mild and rapid.

According to manufacturers, the effection of vaccines like Pfizer or Moderna is only more than 90%. As for AstraZeneca, if the interval between 2 doses is 4 weeks, the effectiveness is over 60%. If it is 12 weeks, it is more than 80%. It is important that after receiving 2 doses of the vaccine for at least 2 weeks, people who get COVID have mild illness and are unlikely to die.

In fact, out of the first 53 cases of Tropical Hospital, 52 cases were asymptomatic, accounting for 98%, only 1 case had mild symptoms. As of June 14, there were 55 positive cases out of 924 people tested, accounting for 6%, which is still within the vaccine's predicted results.

The risk of post-injection infection depends on the individual's immunogenicity (related to genetic makeup, advanced age, underlying medical conditions, medications used), and the variant virus. A study in Germany showed that the effectiveness of the AZ vaccine against the South African strain was reduced to about 80% and the Indian strain was only about 50% compared to the original strain.

To increase the effectiveness of the AZ vaccine, a second dose of vaccine should be given 12 weeks after the first dose. 

Recently, it was reported that a female health worker died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca. If so, will these vaccines avoid any underlying diseases? Can people who are allergic to Ampicillin antibiotics, penicillin antibiotics, and food allergies get the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccines are contraindicated only in patients with anaphylaxis at the first dose and who are allergic to the components of the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not an antibiotic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, so people with hypersensitivity are not contraindicated to the vaccine. However, as recommended, it’s required caution and an allergist should be consulted for risk assessment before vaccination. People with a history of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or mild skin allergies caused by drugs, food, etc. can be prescribed the COVID-19 vaccine.

All cases of the COVID-19 vaccine need to be monitored on the spot for at least 30 minutes after injection. People with a history of allergies should be monitored for at least 60 minutes. Certain subjects may be indicated for vaccination but require special caution, including People with a history of immediate allergy to multiple drugs, vaccine allergy, aspirin hypersensitivity syndrome and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, history of unexplained anaphylaxis or mast cell disease.

Should elderly people with medical conditions be vaccinated?

The likelihood of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age. Therefore, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions should be vaccinated.

When do side effects usually appear after vaccination?

Side effects should be monitored in a medical facility within 30 minutes of injection and at home for two months. European countries and the US require follow-up within eight weeks after injection, so far there is no information on side effects occurring later.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine be given to children and at what age?

There are currently Pfizer vaccines licensed for children 12-15 years of age, other vaccines are not recommended

Can women who prepare to pregnant get the vaccine? Can women on hormonal birth control get the vaccine?

There is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine can be detrimental to women planning to become pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives.

Can pregnant and lactating women get the vaccine?

Pregnant women can be vaccinated if the benefits of vaccination over the potential risks. Based on how the vaccine works in the human body, the COVID-19 vaccine is not expected to be harmful to a nursing person or a nursing infant. Therefore, lactating women can get the COVID-19 vaccine.

What vaccines should women over 40 get?

Currently, Vietnam allows the use of any licensed vaccine. For other countries, you should follow the guidance of each country.

When Vietnam will have enough vaccines to supply the whole population? Has the business been allowed to buy vaccines for their employees? How can businesses buy vaccines imported from abroad to inject their employees?

On June 1, 2021, the Ministry of Health announced 36 businesses eligible to import and distribute vaccines. Any business can contact the Ministry of Health or company authorities to ask for cooperation and support. The Ministry of Health affirmed that all batches of vaccines, regardless of which units are imported having certifying origin and quality will be administered by the Ministry of Health for injections. As for the certificate of origin and quality, in the situation that businesses and associations through partnerships can import a small amount of vaccine, it is difficult to have enough documents from the manufacturer, the Ministry of Health is committed to guiding and handling each case in the most convenient and fastest way if the request is received.

Should I get vaccine while I'm infected with COVID-19? If I get the first dose and become infected with COVID-19, should I receive a second dose?

You should still inject, but after the possibility of infection.

Do infected people who are cured have natural immunity need vaccinate?

Yes, in case of being treated with antibodies, it is necessary to wait three months after being cured

How long will the vaccine last?

There is not enough information available.

What is the ratio of vaccination to achieve herd immunity?

There is not enough information to claim that (The hypothesis is 60-70% but the reality is different, and the variables are always changing). Vietnam aims to vaccinate 75% of its population by 2021.

After vaccination, if the individual is tested, will the results be affected?

Vaccination does not affect COVID-19 test results

Can a person with a history of hepatitis C (cured) get the AstraZeneca vaccine? Does the vaccine increase liver enzymes/damage the liver?

Hepatitis C patients can be vaccinated, currently, there is no information about changes in liver enzymes in hepatitis C patients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Do you have any reports comparing the effection of vaccines authorized in Vietnam?

There are currently no statistical reports on this.

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