Underlying diseases are not a contraindication to vaccination! Why is it important for the elderly to get the new coronavirus vaccine?

On May 8, at the 328th press conference on the prevention and control of the new coronavirus pneumonia in Beijing, Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention and member of the National New Coronavirus Pneumonia Expert Group, introduced that the epidemic analysis found that since April 22, among the 686 infected people, 98 cases did not complete two doses of the new crown vaccine, accounting for 14%, among which there was a 79-year-old female critically ill patient.

Previously, at the Shanghai Municipal Epidemic Prevention and Control Work Press Conference held on the morning of April 20, it was introduced that among the positive infections in this round of epidemic in Shanghai, the proportion of elderly people over 60 years old is nearly 20%, of which the proportion of elderly people aged 80 and above is nearly 2%.

Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ju Huanzong

Such reports on the epidemic have once again reminded the society of the urgency of vaccination for the elderly. The elderly have poor immunity and are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccines are currently the most effective means of protecting the elderly. This call is also based on the gradual understanding of scientists and the medical community about the new coronavirus.

Why is it important for older adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Facing the Omicron variant, the elderly and patients with underlying diseases are the most vulnerable groups. Building a strong immune wall and increasing the vaccination rate of the elderly is an important part.

1. Elderly people are at higher risk of severe illness and death after infection

The elderly have weaker immune functions and often have underlying diseases. Once infected, their risk of severe illness and death is significantly higher than other groups.

Some elderly people believe that since they stay at home or live in remote areas for a long time and rarely go out or travel to other places, the risk of infection is very small and they do not need to be vaccinated.

Experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that this idea is wrong. The mutated viruses currently imported from some areas are highly contagious, and some cases have atypical clinical manifestations and even asymptomatic infections. Even if the elderly do not go out at home or live in remote rural areas, they may still be infected with the virus. Especially if other people in the family are working or studying outside, they may bring the virus home and cause infection in the elderly. Therefore, the elderly should also "get vaccinated as much as possible" as soon as possible to protect themselves and others.

Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Ruiping

2. Is it necessary for older people to get booster shots?

Experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that after the elderly receive booster shots, the risk of severe illness and death from the new coronavirus infection can be reduced by more than 90%.

Zheng Zhongwei, head of the vaccine research and development task force of the scientific research and development group of the joint prevention and control mechanism of the State Council, said that more than 500 million doses of vaccine have been administered to the elderly in my country, and no major adverse reactions have been found after vaccination due to underlying diseases. Underlying diseases are not fundamental contraindications to vaccination, unless in the acute period of chronic diseases or underlying diseases. The elderly can eliminate this concern.

How to weigh the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly?

Come see the authoritative answer!

Here are some common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for the elderly:

Have you mastered it?

B.No.

The elderly are one of the top priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine has a minimum age requirement, but no upper age limit. Anyone over 3 years old can be vaccinated.

B. False.

Judging from the results of previous clinical trials and the monitoring results of current vaccine applications, there is no finding that "80-year-olds are more likely to have adverse reactions". Vaccines are strictly monitored during clinical trials, and only when adverse reactions are within our acceptable range can they be approved for use. According to the current monitoring results, the incidence of adverse reactions in the elderly over 60 years old is lower than that in other age groups. Elderly people who meet the vaccination conditions can be assured of receiving the new coronavirus vaccine. Stay for 30 minutes after vaccination to minimize the risk.

ABC.

Full vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine and the "booster shot" can provide some protection for this group of people. Vaccination of people around the elderly will also protect the elderly. Opening windows for ventilation every day to keep the air flowing and fresh is also an effective measure to prevent COVID-19.

Caring for the Elderly

Scientific vaccination against the new coronavirus

Take good personal protection

Health for you and me

Comprehensive sources: Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai Municipal People's Government Information Office, National Health Commission official website, Healthy China, etc.