Hello, everyone. Here's NBTV-1. I'm Wang Yi. At the beginning of 2021, the Chinese government said it would provide free COVID-19 vaccines(疫苗) to all Chinese citizens(公民). Since then, tens of millions of people have got the vaccine. It's really helpful but some may still have some questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. I collected some main questions--"How does the vaccine work? ", "Are you allowed to get it? And how?" and "What do you need to do before getting it?" Now let's ask the doctor, Mr. Zhang about it.
Wang Yi: How does the vaccine work?
Mr Zhang: The vaccines China is now using are called" inactivated vaccines"(灭活疫苗). There are "dead" viruses in these vaccines. They cannot cause the disease, but can show your body what the virus looks like and make you immune(免疫)to it. Studies show that China's vaccines are 79. 34 percent effective. This means that for every 100 people who get vaccinated, about 79 people will become immune to the virus. If 79 percent of the whole population becomes immune, the possibility of COVID-19 spreading will be very low.
Wang Yi: How is the vaccine given?
Mr. Zhang: The vaccine is given by injection (注射). It's suggested to get two periods. You should wait about two weeks after the first injection to get the second one.
Wang Yi: Can people of all ages get vaccinated?
Mr. Zhang: The vaccines have been tested among three different age groups: 3 to 17. 18 to 59, and 60 and above. The 18-to-59 age group has the most data(数据)--the vaccines have shown that it's safe to this group. The other two groups are expected to be included soon.
Wang Yi: Thanks a lot. I have the last question.
