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Who is Eligible for the Covid-19 Third Vaccine Dose?

The Ministry of Health is planning to administer booster shots and additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine starting December 2021. Who will be prioritized for this third dose? Let's find out!

Administrator

31 August, 2024

The third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine: Who will be prioritized and what should we keep in mind? Let’s find out in the article below!

1Who will be prioritized for the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine?

Document No. 10225/BYT-DP issued on December 1st, 2021, by the Ministry of Health, requests that localities develop plans and deploy the administration of booster shots for those who have been fully vaccinated with the primary series.

Accordingly, the priority groups for the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine include:

Individuals aged 18 and above who have received the full primary series or additional doses, with priority given to those with underlying medical conditions;
People requiring long-term care in medical facilities;
Individuals aged 50 and above are given priority;
Healthcare workers directly involved in testing, caring for, and treating Covid-19 patients.

These individuals will receive a booster dose of the same vaccine type as their primary series or an mRNA vaccine at least 28 days after their last dose, depending on vaccine availability.

Priority groups for the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

2Notes on the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

The Ministry of Health provides the following guidance and notes on booster shots:

If the primary or additional doses were of the same vaccine type, the booster shot should be of the same type or an mRNA vaccine.
If different types of vaccines were administered previously, the booster shot should be an mRNA vaccine.
If the primary or additional dose was the Sinopharm vaccine, the booster shot may be of the same type or an mRNA vaccine or a viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca vaccine).
The interval between the booster shot and the last dose of the primary series or additional dose should be at least 6 months.

Notes on the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

Note:

When going for your Covid-19 vaccine, remember to: stay hydrated, avoid alcohol before and after vaccination, get plenty of rest, etc.

As the pandemic situation remains complex, please continue to follow the 5K message: wear a mask, disinfect hands with sanitizer frequently, and maintain a safe distance to protect yourself and your loved ones!

The above information summarizes the priority groups for the 3rd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in the near future. We hope this article has provided you with useful information regarding the vaccination process.

Frequently asked questions

The third vaccine dose is currently recommended for individuals aged 18 years and older who have completed their primary vaccination series at least 6 months ago. This applies to those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or other WHO-approved mRNA vaccines as their initial series.

The COVID-19 booster shot helps improve protection against the virus, including new variants like Omicron. Over time, the protection provided by the initial vaccine series may decrease, and a booster dose can strengthen your immune response, providing continued protection against severe disease.

You can receive the third dose at least 6 months after completing your primary vaccination series. This timing is based on recommendations from health authorities and ensures that your immune response remains strong and effective.

The side effects from the third vaccine dose are generally similar to those experienced after the second dose and are typically mild to moderate. These may include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, and pain at the injection site. These side effects are normal and usually resolve within a few days.

You can receive the third vaccine dose at designated vaccination sites or clinics. You may need to schedule an appointment, and it is recommended to check with your local health authorities or healthcare providers for specific information on locations and availability.