Some Say the Vaccine Won't be Free Starting in May. What's true?

The COVID-19 vaccine has been a hot topic of discussion for quite some time. With any hot topic, there are a lot of questions and those ultimately lead to a variety of answers, many of which may not be true. 

"New crown virus vaccine will be charged in May"

"If the second shot is taken late, you lose the effectiveness"

"Drink 2000ml of water after vaccination"

"You can't drink coffee within a week after the vaccine"

...

Shenzhen's Southern Metropolis newspaper has compiled the following list of 9 common rumors circulating online about the COVID vaccine and answers to prove or debunk them.

Rumor 1

The COVID vaccine will no longer be free starting in May.

The truth: The new coronavirus vaccine is free for all people, and individuals do not bear the cost or any vaccination fees (if they are covered by Chinese social insurance - some foreigners are not). The cost of vaccination will be borne by the medical insurance fund for any residents wishing to take it voluntarily.

Rumor 2

Your second dose must be taken within 2 to 3 weeks after the first dose.

The truth: According to the updated version of the novel coronavirus vaccination guidelines, for those that took the "inactivated" vaccine, the second dose is fine anytime within 3 to 8 weeks. Moreover, after the first dose of vaccination, protective antibodies can be produced, and the vaccination time of the second dose does not affect the efficacy of the first dose.

Rumor 3

It is better to build immunity through contracting the disease rather than through vaccination.

Truth: Gaining immunity through natural infection can be costly. The immune response produced by the interaction between the vaccine and the immune system is similar to the immune response produced by natural infection, but the vaccine generally does not cause disease and does not expose the recipient to potential complications.

Rumor 4

Eat healthy food and drinking plenty of water before taking the vaccine to avoid adverse reactions.

The truth: The adverse reactions of the vaccine are related to the biological characteristics of the vaccine and individual differences in the human body, and have nothing to do with diet. But experts also recommend that you try to avoid getting vaccinated on an empty stomach, mainly to avoid symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Rumor 5

Drink 2000 ml of water to prevent adverse reactions from taking the vaccine.

Truth: Drinking moderate amounts of water is a prerequisite for maintaining human health, but it is not directly related to the adverse reactions of vaccination. Drinking too much water in a short period of time can cause bodily discomfort as well.

Rumor 6

Don't exercise after getting vaccinated, otherwise it will reduce your body's immunity.

The truth: After getting the vaccine, you can exercise moderately without reducing the body's immunity. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise to prevent discomfort due to excessive exercise.

Source: Photo by Southern Metropolis reporter He Yushuai

Rumor 7

You cannot drink alcohol, coffee, tea, seafood, beef, etc. within a week after taking the vaccine.

Truth: There is no direct relationship between vaccination and diet. You can eat normally before or after vaccination. Experts suggest that in order to maintain good health, avoid drinking alcohol, and avoid eating foods that usually cause allergies.

Rumor 8

The coronavirus has mutated so getting vaccinated may be a waste of time.

The truth: Judging from the global monitoring of the mutation of the virus, there is currently no evidence that the virus mutation will invalidate the existing vaccine. Although the virus has been mutating, its clinical characteristics have not changed so far.

At present, scientists have found that the domestic vaccines are still effective against some foreign mutations of the virus. Even if the protective effect of preventing mild cases is reduced, the overall protective effect of preventing severe cases is still relatively high.

Rumor 9

After being vaccinated, you're only protected for half a year.

The truth: There are only six months of post-vaccination data available, not "only six months of protection."

The National Health Commission recently announced that the current monitoring of the antibody level of those receiving the vaccine is probably more than 6 months. This is the just the time antibody levels have been monitored currently. It does not mean that there are only these six months of immunization, and antibodies are not the only indicator of vaccine protection.

Experts especially pointed out that the current research on the immunity of vaccines is still under continuous observation. A study of the first to be vaccinated, found that they now obtained 9 months of antibody monitoring data. Experts are also continuing to strengthen monitoring, and the longer-term protective effect of the vaccine needs further observation.

Source. Photo by reporter Hu Ke

Source: 新冠疫苗5月开始收费？真相是……

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