FAQs on COVID-19 vaccination for seniors

Q: Is it necessary for seniors to get a booster shot and why?

A: Yes, it is necessary. Since seniors generally have a weaker immune function, people older than 60 generate a lower level of antibodies and have weaker protection than people aged 18-59 after completing routine vaccination. They also face a higher risk for severe illness and death after infection. Therefore seniors are recommended to get a booster shot six months after being fully vaccinated with inactivated or adenovirus vector vaccines for better protection against the disease.

There have been studies showing that the risk of severe disease and death after infection is reduced by more than 90 percent for seniors who have received booster shots.

Q: Should seniors choose to receive a booster shot developed with the same or different technology from those used in initial inoculations?

A: Either boosting with a dose that is the same as the initial inoculation or with a dose developed with a different technology is effective in lowering the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19. Seniors can choose based on local vaccine supply.

Q: Under what conditions should seniors over 60 delay vaccination or not get vaccinated?

A: People over 60 should postpone the vaccination or not get vaccinated if they are allergic to any ingredients of the vaccine or have had an allergic reaction to the same type of vaccine;

they have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines;

they have uncontrolled epilepsy and other serious neurological diseases;

they are patients with fever or acute diseases, they are during acute attacks of chronic diseases, or they are patients with uncontrolled severe chronic diseases.