FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Q: Which COVID-19 vaccines are being provided?

A: At the moment, we believe will be the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, developed in the United Kingdom by the Oxford University and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca

For more information, please click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford%E2%80%93AstraZeneca_COVID-19_vaccine

2. Which countries have "approved" the AstraZeneca vaccine?

A: The AstraZeneca vaccine is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 121 governments around the world, making it the world’s most widely accepted vaccine. A list of countries can be found here: https://blog.wego.com/astrazeneca-approved-countries/

More than 1.5 billion doses of the vaccine have been released to more than 170 countries

3. Q: What if I believe I have a health or allergy issue with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Please email us at btfc19vac@gmail.com and we will try to provide additional information, as we are able

We are not doctors nor medical staff, but the scientific literature informs us that the most common side effects with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are usually mild or moderate and improves within a few days after vaccination.

According to the European Medicines Agency as of 4 April 2021, a total number of 222 cases of extremely rare blood clots among 447 million people (a percentage of 0.000049664%) reported from the European Economic Area.

To put this in context, the chance of blood clots is about 50 times greater for the pill, 2500 times greater for pregnancy, and 38,750 times greater from COVID-19 infection.

The European Medicines Agency’s safety committee concluded that:

a) the benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in combating the still widespread threat of COVID-19 (which itself results in clotting problems and may be fatal) continue to outweigh the risk of side effects;

b) the vaccine is not associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots (thromboembolic events) in those who receive it;

c) there is no evidence of a problem related to specific batches of the vaccine or to particular manufacturing sites;

d) however, the vaccine may be associated with very rare cases of blood clots associated with thrombocytopenia, i.e. low levels of blood platelets (elements in the blood that help it to clot) with or without bleeding, including rare cases of clots in the vessels draining blood from the brain (CVST).

Sources:

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-benefits-still-outweigh-risks-despite-possible-link-rare-blood-clots

https://jmss.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AstraZeneca_and_blood_clots_-_by_the_numbers.pdf

4. What other vaccines have been locally provided?

A: We're aware of at least two additional vaccines, both also recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous governments around the world:

1. Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the German biotechnology company BioNTech in collaboration with American pharmaceutical company Pfizer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfizer%E2%80%93BioNTech_COVID-19_vaccine

2. Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell), developed by Sinopharm's Beijing Institute of Biological Products (China): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinopharm_BIBP_COVID-19_vaccine

Government-approved COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in large numbers worldwide and are generally safe, particularly if considered in contrast to getting sick from COVID-19. As of 8 November 2021, 7.28 billion doses of COVID‑19 vaccines have been administered worldwide based on official reports from national public health agencies. AstraZeneca anticipates producing 3 billion doses in 2021, Pfizer–BioNTech 2.5 billion doses, and Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Janssen 1 billion doses each. Moderna targets producing 600 million doses and Convidecia 500 million doses in 2021.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_vaccine

5. Do I get a choice in the vaccine -- e.g., AstraZeneca vs. Pfizer–BioNTech vs. Sinopharm Vero Cell?

A: Generally not, as our observation has been that only a specific vaccine is made available on any given vaccination day. You could decline if you do not wish to receive the vaccine being offered when you have the chance to get vaccinated, but you risk remaining unvaccinated. We're unsure what options may become available in the future, and can not guarantee that you'll have any future options.

6. What do I pay, in order to receive the offered vaccination?

A: There is no charge, and is a courtesy of the Vietnamese government including support from the Ham Tien, Phan Thiet and Binh Thuan government and health authorities

7. Vietnam has announced a strategy policy shift from "Zero COVID" to "Safe and flexible adaptation and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic" - what does that mean for us in Vietnam?

A: Generally, the Vietnamese government is going to rely on combination of vaccinations and vaccination cards to reopen the country, instead of keeping "zero COVID" by using various strict efforts such as lockdowns

While the government may continue to use various efforts such as lockdowns, it will not be surprising if COVID cases rise though out Vietnam, including in the Ham Tien area, given the shift in this policy. By way of example, COVID-19 is already endemic in certain major parts of Vietnam, such as HCMC.

Also, vaccination cards (yellow: one shot; green: two shots and/or having recovered from COVID-19) are being used to grant access to public places such as restaurants and/or travel

Vietnam has also prepared plans for COVID-19 vaccination booster shots starting in 2022, and is also reopening the country for international travel

Therefore, to maintain your personal safety, safety of those around you and for ability to move around/resume a more "normal" life, you are encouraged to obtain your timely and regular COVID-19 vaccinations

Sources/further reading:

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1048588/viet-nam-strives-to-return-to-new-normal-by-september-30-shifts-away-from-zero-covid-strategy-pm.html

https://vietnaminsider.vn/reopening-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-vaccine-travel-pass-trial-in-hcmc

https://vietnaminsider.vn/vietnam-prepared-for-covid-19-booster-shots/

https://vietnaminsider.vn/its-time-to-plan-your-trip-to-vietnam-as-international-travelers/

8. Setting aside vaccination, what if I'm not feeling well, and I suspect I might have COVID-19?

A: COVID-19 symptoms include:

1. Fever or chills

2. A dry cough and shortness of breath

3. Feeling very tired

4. Muscle or body aches

5. Headache

6. A loss of taste or smell

7. Sore throat

8. Congestion or runny nose

9. Nausea or vomiting

10. Diarrhea

Source/additional information: https://www.webmd.com/lung/covid-19-symptoms#1

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please visit Ham Tien Clinic (near Ham Tien market) or another local clinic or hospital

Ham Tien Clinic

Trạm Y Tế Phường Hàm Tiến

+84-252-3847-203/0252-3847-203

Open 24 hours

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tkTEMCMQUQgsMyTV8

9. Where can I get a COVID-19 test (e.g., if I'm not feeling well or need for another purpose)?

A: You have a few options:

1. COVID-19 test with a certificate: An Phuoc Hospital (Phan Thiet; https://goo.gl/maps/E57MSaW8LEXxWqfTA)

2. COVID-19 test without a certificate: Ham Tien Clinic (near Ham Tien market; location noted above)

3. Many pharmacies sell a home COVID-19 test, for a cost of ~150,000 VND

10. Can I register for vaccination even if I do not stay in Ham Tien, nor have a business in Ham Tien?

A: We are currently closely working on a vaccination program with sponsorship from the Ham Tien municipality. We will try to submit your name for first shot vaccination with Ham Tien officials, but can not guarantee that they will accept your registration. If you've registered with us, we will communicate the appropriate outcome to your via the email address you provide as part of your online registration.

11. Is registration open for those under 18 years old?

A: Currently, a minimum age of 18 years of age is required for COVID-19 vaccinations. We expect this to change over time, as the Vietnamese government has programs in place for later this year and going into 2022 to vaccinate younger people. Below are a couple of articles that speak to vaccinations for those aged 12-17 and 5-11:

1. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-to-vaccinate-all-children-from-12-against-covid-this-year-4379161.html

2. https://vietnamnet.vn/en/society/vietnam-plans-to-vaccinate-children-aged-5-to-11-in-2022-787633.html

12. Will I receive an email confirmation of my online registration?

A: Yes

If you don't receive a registration confirmation email within 2 days of having submitted your online registration, please resubmit or email us (at btfc19vac@gmail.com) with an inquiry, providing us your full name.

13. How will I know if I need to do anything -- e.g., the next step of the vaccination process?

A: You will receive an email from us with appropriate next step instructions, on the email address you provided to us in submitting your online registration

14. What is the best way for me to express my gratitude for receiving the COVID-19 vaccination?

A: Please support us in guiding your friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances towards timely vaccinations, including informing them of our facilitation efforts (e.g., can refer them to this informational and registration website).

Through your efforts and by getting vaccinated, you will protect your health, health within your community, and help us achieve needed "herd immunity." In addition to health benefits, vaccinations will help enable reductions in limitations to leisure and economic activity,

15. Can my Vietnamese family member and/or significant other (e.g., boyfriend or girlfriend live in the same location) receive a vaccination under this program?

A: Yes, please follow the online registration link provided on this website to register your Vietnamese relationship(s)

16. Q: What does the "Vaccination Consent Form" mentioned in Step 2 look like?

A: You will receive the appropriate Vaccination Consent Form when you arrive at the Step 2 site. In past, the form has looked like the form shown below.

17. Q: What does the "Health Declaration Form" mentioned in Step 2 look like?

A: You will receive the appropriate Health Declaration Form when you arrive at the Step 2 site. In past, the form has looked like the form shown below.

18. Can the same Vietnamese mobile phone number (or email address) be used by multiple individuals?

A: Yes, to our understanding there isn't a limit to the number of people. However, please note that an OTP (one-time password) may be sent to the mobile phone down the road in making digital verifications (e.g, in accessing your vaccination record on the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal), so may need to have the mobile phone with the number you provide handy.

Unlike the Vietnamese mobile phone number, the email address you provide will only be used by this volunteer effort (as per current planning). In any case, please feel free to register multiple individuals by using the email address, as more convenient for you and your family/relationships/friends/etc.

19. How long should I plan to stay at the vaccination center, post having received my vaccination?

A: For medical reason, it is advised that you stay at the vaccination center for 30 minutes. If you continue to feel well, you may leave, but please do not forget to first collect you vaccination certificate, as proof of your vaccination. Statistically, very few people have had an adverse medical reaction to the vaccine.

20. Will I get any certification or proof of my first shot, once I've had?

A: Yes

Onsite, within 15-30 minutes post your shot, your name will be announced and you will be presented with a blue Vaccination Certificate card. Please keep this card in a safe place as you may require it -- e.g., while travelling, eating in certain locations, etc. You will also need to bring this card with you for when you have your second shot, as your second shot will also be noted on this same certificate.

In addition, you will be entered into the Vietnamese national COVID-19 vaccination registry. It will be possible to confirm your vaccination both online and via one or more mobile phone apps. It may not be immediately possible to confirm your vaccination digitally, so we strongly advise you to keep your Vaccination Certificate card in a safe place so serve as your proof of vaccination.

21. Will I have the opportunity to get my second shot, once I've received my first shot?

A: We will continue to work as necessary to help Ham Tien area foreigners obtain both their first and second shots. Having said that, we do not control the vaccination program as our role is limited to facilitation, and therefore can not offer any guarantees.

22. What if I loose my blue Vaccination Certificate card?

A: We are unsure currently on blue Vaccination Certificate card replacement process. However, if you're able to access your vaccination record online or via one or more mobile phone apps, then we'd expect a screen shot and/or a printout could serve as a substitute.

23. Where can I lookup my name/access the Vietnamese national online COVID-19 registry (the "COVID-19 Vaccine Portal")?

A: https://tiemchungcovid19.gov.vn/portal/search

By following this link you'll find both your digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate, as well as the related QR code. You may want to take a screenshot of your digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate, as well the QR code, to save on your mobile for future use.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Portal is available in both Vietnamese and English. Here are some tips in entering your information on the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal:

Fullname: [Family Name] [First Name] [Middle Name, if any]

Phone Number: should be a Vietnamese phone number, that you'd provided as part of your vaccination registration/process. Start with "0" and the Vietnamese phone number (i.e., no "+84")

Health insurance number: we expect should leave blank for most foreigners

Please note that as the final step in obtaining your digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate, an OTP (one-time password) will be sent to the mobile phone, which you'll need to enter COVID-19 Vaccine Portal. So please have the mobile phone handy when you access the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.

24. Can I "sign up for the next injection" via the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal?

A: You can certainly try, but we are not familiar with the government process that would be followed if you click on "sign up for the next injection" on the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal. The button for "sign up for the next injection" can be found toward the bottom of the web page you'll get on the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal, once you're viewing your digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate.

25. What if I'm unable to verify my COVID-19 vaccination record on the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal?

A: Please report your issue by following this link: https://tiemchungcovid19.gov.vn/portal/portal-report

Province: choose "Tihn Binh Thuan"

District: choose "Thanh pho Phan Thiet"

Ward: choose "Phuong Ham Tien"

Lot Number: can be left blank

Immunization Facility: choose "Khac" from the 2 choices from the resulting list

Please upload your Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate, if you have a digital image of your Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate

Then please check back in a few days at the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal to see you're able to have your digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate, as well your vaccination QR code

26. Can I access my digital COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate/QR code using a mobile phone app.

A: Yes, we understand that there are a few different apps available for this purpose. We do not know of all the apps, but a common one is "PC-COVID Viet Nam"

After downloading, you may initially need to to navigate the menu in Vietnamese to change the language to English, by following the 3-step process shown towards the bottom of this web page

Android (may not be available to all Android users): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mic.bluezone

Apple/iOS: https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/pc-covid-viet-nam/id1508062685

If you have problems with "PC-COVID Viet Nam," another app is "SSK"/"SSKDT"/"Sổ sức khỏe điện tử" (from Vietnam Ministry of Health Office); however, may require help from someone who knows Vietnamese (i.e., lacks English support):

Android (may not be available to all Android users): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mohviettel.sskdt

Apple/iOS: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/s%E1%BB%95-s%E1%BB%A9c-kh%E1%BB%8Fe-%C4%91i%E1%BB%87n-t%E1%BB%AD/id1555911794?fbclid=IwAR1pCJxI4TDVBonJXxYi0hQ0wkH6ipjn1b2p9HDLWbw6P2LyuNr48lcgFtg

27. Do other countries recognize Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccination documentation?

A: We expect some do already, while other countries are in their process to start to recognize. E.g., we saw the following news article on the UK: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20211030/uk-recognizes-vietnams-vaccine-passport/63868.html

28. Where can I find general information for the ongoing COVID-19 immunization campaign in Vietnam?

A: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_vaccination_in_Vietnam

29. Where can I find vaccination statistics for Vietnam?

A: https://e.vnexpress.net/covid-19/vaccine

30. Where can I find COVID-19 statistics for Vietnam?

A: https://e.vnexpress.net/covid-19/covid-19-viet-nam

31. Where can I find COVID-19 statistics for all countries?

A: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Please email us (at btfc19vac@gmail.com) with your questions, and we will add them to the FAQs listed here!

3-step process to follow on mobile phone app "PC-COVID Viet Nam" to change language to English: