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The Ultimate Guide to Registering for Your Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose: A Quick and Easy Process

If you've received your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, this article is for you. Discover the optimal interval between doses and explore a step-by-step guide to registering for your second dose.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most vaccines today require two doses administered several weeks apart. Receiving both doses of the vaccine provides stronger and longer-lasting protection. If you have already received your first dose and are unsure about how to register for the second dose, follow the guide below.

1What is the recommended interval between the two vaccine doses?

According to the Ministry of Health, except for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, all COVID-19 vaccines require two doses.

The interval between the two doses varies depending on the vaccine type. Here are the recommended intervals for each vaccine:

For the AstraZeneca vaccine, the interval between the first and second doses is 8-12 weeks.
For Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines, the interval is 3-4 weeks.
For the Moderna vaccine, the interval is 4 weeks.
For the Sinopharm vaccine, the interval is 3-4 weeks.

The interval between the two doses varies depending on the vaccine type.

According to the manufacturers and the Ministry of Health, it is recommended to receive the same type of vaccine for both doses. However, if the vaccine used for the first dose is no longer available for the second dose, you can receive a different vaccine for the second dose, as advised by the Ministry of Health:

If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine for the first dose, you may receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for the second dose.
If you received the Moderna vaccine for the first dose, you may receive the Pfizer vaccine for the second dose, and vice versa.

For further reference:

2How to register for the second vaccine dose

To register for the second vaccine dose, you will need your vaccination certificate from the first dose. Follow these steps to query your first dose certificate and register for the second dose:

Step 1 Access the Vaccination Portal

First, access the Vaccination Portal at: tiemchungcovid19.gov.vn

Access the Vaccination Portal

Step 2 Query your vaccination certificate

On the menu bar, select Query and then choose Query Vaccination Certificate.

Enter your personal information as declared during your first dose registration and click Query.

Note: Fields with an * are mandatory, while others can be left blank.

Enter your personal information

Step 3 Enter the OTP code

You will receive an OTP code via SMS. Enter the OTP code and click Confirm.

Enter the OTP code

Step 4 Register for the next dose

Here, you will see the information regarding your first dose. Click on Register for the next dose. You can also view your COVID-19 vaccination certificate for the first dose below.

Click on “Register for the next dose”

If there are any errors or missing information in your vaccination certificate, you can easily request a correction.

Step 5 Choose the date and time for the next dose

Under Next Dose Information, the Registrant Information will be automatically filled in. Review and make any necessary corrections.

For the Vaccination Registration Information section, choose the desired date and time for your second dose (based on the recommended interval for your first dose vaccine) and your preferred time slot.

Choose the date and time for your second dose

Step 6 Review and confirm

After reviewing the information and selecting the date for your second dose registration, click Continue at the bottom of the page.

Click on “Continue”

Step 7 Declare your vaccination history

After clicking Continue, a declaration form will appear. Complete the form under the Vaccination History section.

Provide information about your medical history: answer Yes or No or Don’t Remember.

Declare your vaccination history

Step 8 Complete the vaccination history declaration

After answering the questions about your medical history, click Continue.

Click on “Continue”

Step 9 Confirm the Consent Form

Next, you will see a Consent Form. Carefully read the information regarding the vaccination, as well as any warnings and reminders after receiving the vaccine, etc.

Read the Consent Form carefully

After reading the information, tick the box to confirm your consent to the vaccination and declare that you have not been vaccinated in the past 14 days, taking responsibility for the accuracy of this statement.

Step 10 Complete the registration

Finally, click Confirm to complete the COVID-19 vaccine registration.

Click on “Confirm” to complete the registration

After clicking Confirm, you will receive a confirmation message for your successful registration for the second vaccine dose.

3Timing for the third (booster) dose

Many countries around the world have recommended booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare workers.

Timing for the third (booster) dose

On December 17, 2021, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam issued a document regulating the administration of booster doses as follows:

Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for individuals aged 18 years and older, ensuring that individuals aged 50 years and older have received the primary series (first and second doses or three doses, depending on the vaccine type). The interval between the last dose of the primary series and the booster dose is between 28 days and 3 months. The booster dose can be of the same type as the primary series or an mRNA vaccine.
Additional (second booster) doses of COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for individuals aged 18 years and older who have received the primary series or a booster dose, with an interval of at least 3 months after the last dose of the primary series.

For further reference:

The above guide provides simple and easy steps to register for the second COVID-19 vaccine dose. We hope that you can successfully complete the registration process. Wishing you good health.

Frequently asked questions

Receiving your second COVID-19 vaccine dose is crucial to ensure maximum protection against the virus. The first dose offers some level of protection, but the second dose significantly boosts your immune system’s defense, providing longer-lasting and more effective protection.

It is recommended to register for your second dose as soon as possible after receiving your first one. Ideally, you should aim for an interval of 3 to 4 weeks between the two doses to ensure optimal immunity.

The registration process for your second COVID-19 vaccine dose is similar to that of the first. You can register online through your local health authority’s website or designated platforms. Have your personal information and vaccine card details ready. You may also be asked about your first dose and any side effects experienced.

Mild to moderate side effects are common after the second COVID-19 vaccine dose and are a sign that your body is building protection. These side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain, fever, or headache. Ensure you stay well-hydrated and rest. If symptoms persist or become severe, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

It is generally recommended that you receive the same vaccine for your second dose as you did for the first. However, in certain circumstances, your healthcare provider may advise a different vaccine for your second dose, especially if you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose.

If you lose your vaccine card, don’t panic. Contact the vaccination site where you received your first dose and request a new card. They will have a record of your vaccination and can issue a replacement. Alternatively, you can also access your vaccination records digitally through certain apps or online platforms, depending on your region.

The level of protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccines varies, and it is still being studied. However, current research suggests that the vaccines provide strong protection for at least several months after the second dose. Booster shots may be recommended in the future to maintain immunity against the virus and its variants.