In the final part of our vaccine story that delves into the experiences of global citizens who have taken the jab and those waiting for their turn, we speak to respondents in China, Germany, Singapore, Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles), Switzerland, Australia, UAE, South Africa, United Kingdom and Belgium
Vials of potential COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac are seen on the production line at Sinovac Biotech production facility during a media tour on September 24, 2020 in Beijing, China; Image: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
GUANGZHOU, CHINA
Vaccine status: Not yet taken the vaccine as they only started vaccinating foreigners a month ago. They started with medical frontline workers in July 2020 and then opened it up to people between 18-59 years. Unlike other countries, China opened up vaccination to its elderly (above 60 years) only from March.
Cost of vaccine: Covered under Chinese social insurance The process: For locals there are two apps for registration and for foreigners there is one app. A foreigner in Shanghai can register on the Jiankang Yun Health app and find a slot for vaccination. At the vaccination centre the nurse checks the documents and notes down the batch number. The batch number is then scanned on the computer which takes the photograph of the person and confirms all the personal details, and then the person is vaccinated. Share of citizens who have received at least one dose (as of May 17)*: Not available, 43.6 crore doses administered Status of Covid-19: While there is no lockdown in Guangzhou, everyone in the city has a code that they have to provide to enter any mall, shop, restaurant or even a residence area. Without the health code’s green go-ahead, one cannot enter any place. Travel to another city requires a negative Covid test report from a government hospital.JENA, GERMANY
Vaccine status: Taken the first dose in the first week of May.
Cost of vaccine: Free The process: Germany listed four priority groups for vaccinations: First, the elderly above 80 years and medical professionals; the second, people aged between 70 and 80 years, younger people with medical conditions and those living with frontline workers. The third group includes non-medical frontline workers like kindergarten teachers, essential services workers and the fourth group includes everyone in the country. While Germany faced a vaccine shortage during the early phase of its inoculation process, it is now vaccinating the second and third category and plans to open up vaccination for all by June. Share of citizens who have received at least one dose (as of May 17)*: 37.87 percent Status of Covid-19: Banerjee says, “I have rarely met anyone over the last month.” Germany has restrictions on meeting people and depending upon infection cases (above 165 cases) all shops except grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores, banks, bookstores and post offices are closed. Fully vaccinated and recovered citizens are exempted from restrictions but one has to check the city/ health website daily to assess if there is a complete shutdown for the day or if offices are open. In Jena and other municipalities in Germany it is mandatory to use N95 or FFP2 grade masks, cloth masks are not allowed in public places.SINGAPORE
SINT MAARTEN, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
DUBAI, UAE
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
LEAMINGTON SPA, ENGLAND