Several days ago long-awaited information was released by the Kunming government on vaccinations for the expat population of the city. Yesterday was officially the first day expats were able to get their first dose, and the last shots will be given this Sunday, July 18. For more information on how to make an appointment, please refer to the Q&A below.

The vaccine currently being administered is the widely distributed CoronaVac, developed by Sinovac Biotech and requiring two doses spread out over a two to four-week period. The window for the second dose is August 5 to 9 and can be booked at the same hospital as the first.

CoronaVac uses a similar technology to BBIBP-CorV and Covaxin and works by injecting killed viral particles, teaching the immune system to make antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. After administration of the inactivated virus some people may experience one or more side effects such as injection-site pain, fatigue, diarrhea and muscle pain. Side effects are relatively common and usually mild. Although reports are mixed, it is generally recommended to reduce alcohol consumption shortly before and several days up to several weeks after your first and second dose, as alcohol may impair the immune response, possibly reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an observational study in Brazil "showed that two doses, administered at an interval of 14 days, had an efficacy of 51% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, 100% against severe COVID-19, and 100% against hospitalization starting 14 days after receiving the second dose." WHO also validated SinoVac for emergency use, assuring that "it meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing."

The following Q&A answers a series of more specific questions on how to get vaccinated in Kunming. It was originally published on multiple Chinese media outlets and can also be found on the official WeChat Public Account of the Exit & Entry Bureau, who kindly provided the content below to GoKunming.

Q&A

1. Is there an age limit?

Foreigners who work, study or reside in Kunming as well as meet the vaccination eligibility requirements should be 18 years old and above for vaccination.

2. What kind of vaccines will I receive?

The city currently uses the domestically-developed inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Two doses are required for the entire inoculation process with 21 days of interval.

3. How do I make an appointment for the vaccination?

(1) Foreigners in Kunming can make an appointment for vaccination through the following channels: international students and foreign teachers should file an application through their universities and foreigners employed in Kunming should apply through their companies. Universities and companies will collect and sort out the lists of foreigners who need vaccination, and then make group appointment with designated hospitals by providing the aforesaid list. Other foreigners in Kunming should make an appointment with the designated hospitals.

(2) Appointment hotlines of designated hospitals:

• Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University: 15288453637
• Kunming Calmette International Hospital: 15877990400
• Chenggong District of Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine: 15025119841

4. What is the schedule of inoculation?

The schedule for the inoculation of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines for foreigners in the city is: (everyday from 08:30 to 17:00) July 14 to 18, 2021 for the first dose, and (everyday from 08:30 to 17:00) August 5 to 9, 2021 for the second dose.

5. Where can I receive vaccination?

The vaccination locations are: Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Calmette International Hospital, and Chenggong District of Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both doses of the vaccine for an individual should be inoculated in the same hospital.

6. What documents do I need to provide?

Foreigners need to provide valid ID when making an appointment for vaccination. Please present your Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People's Republic of China or passport and valid residence permit at the vaccination site. Those who have been covered by medical insurance plan should bring a valid medical insurance participation certificate (Social Security Card) and a photocopy of the Social Security Card. Please make sure that the relevant documents are valid on the date of vaccination.

7. What materials do I need to sign?

Before receiving the vaccination, for your own protection, do inform the medical staff of your own physical conditions. The professionals at the designated hospital will then determine if you are eligible for vaccination. Those who are eligible will sign the Informed Consent and the Letter of Commitment (a statement on bearing personal responsibility for all risks associated with vaccination).

8. Do I need to pay for the vaccination?

Foreigners who have been covered by China's social security and medical insurance plan will receive vaccination free of charge by presenting their medical insurance participation certificate (Social Security Card) on vaccination site. Those who have not should bear the cost of 100 yuan/dose (including vaccine fee and vaccination service fee), and cash payment in RMB only.

9. What care should I take after the vaccine shots?

After receiving the vaccine shot, you need to stay in the observation area for 30 minutes at the site of vaccination and may only leave when there is no discomforts. If you have persistent fever or other symptoms after vaccination, please seek for medical attention and report to the designated hospital immediately.

10. How do I get the vaccination certificate?

After the vaccination is completed, you may request the vaccination certificate from the staff of the designated hospital.

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