14 July 2021 09:25

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance and the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions have answered the most frequently asked questions from citizens about vaccination.
 
1. What is an "Immunity Certificate" and to whom is it issued?
The "Immunity Certificate" certifies the immune response obtained after being infected with coronavirus. Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and tested positive with a PCR test, and are officially registered, can obtain an "Immunity Certificate".

2. What is the validity period of the "Immunity Certificate"?
Individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 and were officially registered can obtain an "Immunity Certificate." Scientific studies demonstrate that the level of antibodies in the blood of infected person reduces after 6 months. For this reason, the validity period of the "Immunity Certificate" is 6 months.

3. Is the expired “Immunity Certificate” extended for a person who was infected with COVID-19 six months ago and was injected with 1 dose of vaccine before the relevant decision of the Scientific Council of the Ministry of Health dated July 2, 2021?
As the "Immunity Certificate" expires after July 2, 2021, the "Immunity Certificate" of a person receiving 1 dose of any vaccine applied in our country is extended for an indefinite period. Those who have been vaccinated with 1 dose before July 2, 2021, must be vaccinated with a 2nd dose.

4. What vaccines against COVID-19 are used in Azerbaijan?
Vaccines of 4 manufacturers are used in Azerbaijan: SINOVAC (China), AstraZeneca / Vaxzevria (England), BioNtech / Pfizer (Germany / USA), Sputnik V (Russia).

5. What is a "vaccination certificate" and to whom is it issued? How do I get this certificate?
The Vaccine Certificate certifies the immune response to COVID-19 created by vaccination. The "Vaccine certificate" is issued to those who have been injected with both doses of any vaccine applied against COVID-19 in Azerbaijan. To get vaccinated, one should visit https://randevu.its.gov.az and take an online appointment for coronavirus vaccination by using the COVID-19 vaccination appointment service. You can get a vaccination certificate after getting 2 doses of any vaccine.

6. What is the validity period of the "Vaccine Certificate"?
The "vaccination certificate" is issued for an indefinite period. Scientific research on the stability and duration of the immune response created after COVID-19 vaccination continues around the world. This question will be reconsidered after the results of the studies are published and the recommendations of the WHO and other international health organizations are announced.

7. How can I replace the "Immunity Certificate" with the "Vaccine Certificate"?
You can obtain a "Vaccine Certificate" by taking 2 doses of any vaccine applied in Azerbaijan. Visit https://randevu.its.gov.az/ and take an online appointment for coronavirus vaccination by using the COVID-19 vaccination appointment service.

8. After how long can a vaccinated person get a vaccine injection from another manufacturer?
A person can get another manufacturer’s vaccination dose (of those approved in our country), 6 months after the second dose of their original vaccination. The "Vaccine Certificate" will contain information about the last 2 doses.

9. In what cases is a third dose of vaccination needed for a vaccinated person? What is a booster dose?
Booster means an alternative dose. It is recommended to give a 3rd dose (booster) of vaccine to high-risk groups (health workers, people aged over 60 years, people with auto-immune diseases) 6 months after the second dose.

10. Which manufacturer's vaccine should I take as a booster dose? Should the third dose of vaccine be from the same manufacturer as the two doses I took before?
Studies have shown that any type of vaccine can be used as a booster dose. Regardless of the 2 doses you have taken before, either the same type or another vaccine can be taken as the 3rd (booster) dose.

11. Is it intended to issue a medical certificate to people who are contraindicated for vaccination?
The question of registering persons with contraindications to vaccination and issuing them a document with a QR code, is under consideration by a special commission. The public will be informed about this in the coming days.

12. Will the vaccination and immunity certificates of foreign countries be recognized in Azerbaijan?
International health organizations are working out the mechanism for the recognition of COVID-19 vaccines and immunization certificates between countries.