Getting Medigen Vaccine Before Traveling or Studying Abroad — MOHW Opens Mix-and-Match with AZ, BNT and Moderna

As the 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) pandemic approaches its second anniversary, the domestic vaccination rate has gradually risen, and many people, ignoring social controversy, trust the government-recommended Medigen vaccine as their first choice.

Yesterday (the 12th), the Central Epidemic Command Center established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of China announced that people who have received one or two doses of the Medigen vaccine and have an urgent need to travel abroad may bring relevant supporting documents in person to a contracted hospital designated by their county or city government health bureau that provides vaccination services, and book an appointment to receive AZ, BNT (Comirnaty) or Moderna.

The CECC stated that the attached documents include a National Health Insurance card, a COVID-19 vaccination record card, and relevant supporting documents (such as an e-ticket, proof of study/work, etc.).

The CECC reminded the public that, internationally, the countries that currently allow entry for those vaccinated with Medigen are only New Zealand, Palau, Indonesia, Argentina, Israel and Belize (Belis, timing undetermined) — four countries in total. All other countries have their own required COVID-19 vaccination certificates, so please first ask the local health authority which vaccines are approved before getting vaccinated (it must be administered at least 28 days after the last dose of Medigen).

However, those who previously received the Medigen vaccine and now plan to mix vaccines because they intend to travel abroad should take note!

Although the CECC offers three foreign vaccines — AZ, BNT and Moderna — for the public to choose from for mixing, the author recommends choosing BNT (Comirnaty) or Moderna, especially for students preparing to study in the United States. Otherwise you may very well go from a “new four-dose Evangelion” to the absurd situation of six doses within half a year.

Previously, a Facebook friend’s child went to the United States to study. He had already received 2 doses of the AZ vaccine domestically. Although he could enter the United States smoothly, the school did not recognize it and required him to get two more doses of the Moderna vaccine. The consecutive administration of 4 doses made the student’s feeling of discomfort even stronger.

Based on this situation, if one has already received 2 doses of the Medigen vaccine and now mixes in the AZ vaccine, should one encounter a school or company that does not recognize the AZ vaccine, the absurd situation of six consecutive doses within half a year is very likely to occur. To avoid this possibility, the author recommends making BNT or Moderna the primary choice.

References

1. Problems the domestic COVID-19 vaccine may face when released in July