If you had an adverse reaction to AstraZeneca the first time around, you can now get a shot of Moderna in Taipei. Wanfang Hospital runs one of the clinics that’s now offering Moderna to people with proof of an adverse reaction. This proof can be a diagnosis from a medical professional. It can also be a record of a report to the Centers for Disease Control. In related news, starting next month, clinics will offer Pfizer to those who had a first shot of AZ.
This is Ms. Tai, who developed a rash on her calves and arms after her first shot of AstraZeneca. Three months after the vaccine, the rash still hasn’t gone, leaving Ms. Tai unwilling to get a second dose of AstraZeneca. Upon hearing that Wanfang Hospital was offering Moderna for people like her, she rushed to book a shot.
Ms. Tai
Member of public
I saw that the Zhongxing Branch was offering it. But by the time I got up in the morning, all 25 slots were booked. I called the 1999 hotline and they told me to hurry and try to book an appointment at Wanfang Hospital. It felt like it was a rush for concert tickets.
On Tuesday, Wanfang Hospital opened a special vaccination clinic so that people who received AstraZeneca for their first shot can get Moderna for their second. Only 30 shots were up for grabs, and they were all spoken for. Previously only medical workers were eligible to mix-and-match the two vaccine brands. In the current vaccination round, mixing is allowed for people who had an adverse reaction to their first dose of AstraZeneca.
This is Mr. Liao, who developed acute urticaria after his first shot of AstraZeneca. He made the trip to Taipei just for the vaccination clinic at Wanfang Hospital.
Mr. Liao
Member of public
After I received my first dose, I had a case of acute hives all over my body. It started becoming inflamed six or seven days after the injection. I came here from outside the city, from Taoyuan. About one and a half hours away. I had to set off really early in the morning.
Recipients had to provide proof of an adverse reaction issued by a doctor or show a record of severe adverse reaction reports. People who failed to provide the necessary documentation were refused the shot.
In Taiwan’s 13th round of vaccination, people with a first shot of AZ will be offered the option of a second one of Pfizer. The CECC says that people who fail to show up for their appointment in the 12th round will have to wait until the 14th round to reschedule their shot.