COVID-19 vaccination for foreigners in Tianjin

Tianjin will start to provide COVID-19 vaccines for foreigners in the city on April 1, 2021. Foreign nationals at the age of 18 and above, who work, study or live in Tianjin are eligible to make appointments through their employers or designated institutions following the principle of voluntary participation, giving informed consent and assuming personal responsibility for risk. 

Foreign nationals who have joined China’s social medical insurance scheme may take vaccine free of charge by presenting due insurance document on the vaccination site. Those who have not should pay by themselves.

After making appointments, foreign nationals should take vaccination at arranged time and site with their passports (or other identity certificates) and valid stay or residence permits. Before taking vaccine, you should sign both a statement of bearing personal responsibility for all risks associated with vaccination and a form of informed consent. Please take necessary protections and inform the vaccine giving personnel of your health condition.

Tips for foreigners in Tianjin to take COVID-19 vaccine

Q1：Who are eligible to take COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Currently, foreign nationals at the age of 18 and above, who work, study or live in Tianjin and have not yet taken COVID-19 vaccines, are eligible based on the principle of voluntary participation and giving informed consent.

Q2: How many doses should I take?
A: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will be used, and two doses are required within two to four weeks. Vaccine type may vary according to types and supply in the market.

Q3: Are the vaccines free?
A: Foreign nationals who have joined China’s social medical insurance scheme may take vaccine free of charge by presenting due insurance document on the vaccine taking site. Those who have not should pay by themselves according to the current standards in Tianjin. Please contact the vaccination site for more information.

Q4: How to make appointments for the vaccination?
A: COVID-19 vaccination sites are set up at all districts in Tianjin. Foreign nationals who wish to be vaccinated may make appointments through their employers or call to consult.

Q5: How to get prepared for vaccination?
A: Foreign nationals should take necessary personal protection, bring their passports and valid stay or residence permits with them. Valid insurance certificates (could be printed at district social insurance fund management centers) are also required if you have joined China’s social medical insurance scheme. Clothes that can easily expose the deltoids in your upper arm are recommended to wear. Please inform the vaccine giving personnel of your health condition, history of allergy, illness and abnormal reactions to any vaccine, so that they can decide whether you can take the vaccine. A statement of bearing personal responsibility for all risks associated with vaccination and a form of informed consent need to be signed before vaccination.

Q6: What precautions should I take after taking vaccine?
A: You should stay at the vaccination sites for 30 minutes for observation after getting vaccinated. Please avoid contacting any of your known and common allergens a week after the vaccination. Please seek medical treatment and report to vaccination sites if having abnormal reactions such as running fever.

Q7: Who are not recommended to take the vaccine?
A: According to the clinical trial data, the following people are not recommended to take the COVID-19 vaccine:
(1) people with a reaction to a vaccine;
(2) people with acute diseases, severe chronic diseases, in the acute exacerbation period of a chronic disease, or having a fever;
(3) pregnant or breastfeeding women, or having plan to get pregnant within three months;
(4) people with uncontrolled epilepsy or other progressive neurological disorder, or have had Guillain-Barré syndrome before; Please read the vaccine instructions for more details.

Q8: Any other tips?
A: Personal protection measures are still the easiest and most effective way to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, keeping social distance, washing hands frequently and other measures are still required after taking the vaccine to best protect your and your families’ health.