Xi'an, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The current epidemic prevention and control situation is grim and complex, and timely vaccination against the new crown virus is one of the most effective means to build a solid defense line against the epidemic. Why is it important for older adults to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Will the elderly with underlying medical conditions be vaccinated against COVID-19 aggravated? Is it necessary for elderly people who do not often go out to get vaccinated against COVID-19? These vaccine questions that the elderly care about are answered by experts one by one.
Covid-19 vaccines stored in a medical refrigerator. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wei Xiang
Q: Why is it important for older adults to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Hu Weijun, director of the Institute of Immunization Planning of the Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that from the current global new crown epidemic situation, the recent cases caused by the new coronavirus Omiljung variant have exceeded the peak of any previous mutant strain. On the one hand, the elderly have a decline in immunity as they age; on the other hand, there are more underlying diseases in the pool, and once infected with the new crown virus, the risk of severe illness and death is much higher than that of young people. Surveillance data show that vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness and death. Older people and people with underlying medical conditions are vulnerable and need to be protected by vaccination.
Q: Is it safe for the elderly to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to Hu Weijun, the new coronavirus vaccines currently used in the mainland have carried out phase I, II and III clinical trials in the whole population, including the elderly population, showing that the vaccine has good safety and efficacy. At present, the number of new coronavirus vaccines in the elderly over 60 years old at home and abroad has exceeded 500 million doses, the vaccination process shows good safety, and the incidence of adverse reactions in the elderly after vaccination is lower than that of people under 60 years old.
In Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, an elderly man is being vaccinated against the new crown virus.
Q: Many elderly people have underlying medical conditions, will the COVID-19 vaccine be aggravated?
Hu Weijun said that most of the elderly suffer from basic chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes to varying degrees. The National New Coronavirus Vaccination Technical Program points out that people with chronic diseases who have stable health and good drug control are not contraindicated to new coronavirus vaccination, and vaccination is recommended. Often, vaccination does not increase severe abnormal reactions even in people with underlying medical conditions, strictly grasping contraindications. However, it should be noted that when vaccinating, the doctor of the vaccination unit should be truthfully informed of his or her own health status, so that the pre-examination doctor can make an objective judgment.
Q: Some elderly people think they have very little outing and need to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Hu Weijun said that everyone is the first person responsible for their own health. Elderly people aged 60 and over have a much higher risk of severe illness and death than young people due to more underlying diseases. Even if they don't go out often, other people in the family may bring home the risk of COVID-19 infection, causing infection and illness among the elderly in the home. Therefore, in an attitude of being highly responsible for themselves, their families and society, everyone, especially elderly friends, should actively vaccinate against the new crown virus.