Citizens in Macau began receiving their second doses of COVID-19 vaccines on Monday, with those who have completed their vaccinations to receive a certificate of record.
The launch of the second phase of the rollout comes one month after Macau kicked off its mass vaccination scheme on 22 February. People who have received their first shot of vaccine are encouraged to receive their second shot 28 days later in order to maximize the immune reaction.
The Health Bureau will give those who have received both doses of vaccine a “COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate” which records personal details and the type of vaccine provided.
Although the certificate does not have any effect at this moment, it may play a key role in the full reopening of borders between Macau and mainland China in the future.
China recently launched its own “vaccine passport”, called the “International Travel Health Certificate (ITHC). The ITHC contains personal information, virus test results, vaccination records and the test results of antibodies. The system is only available for Chinese nationals, but China is planning to reach mutual recognition with other countries.
Macau’s health officials said Monday they strongly hope to further ease border restrictions with mainland China and such progress is still under discussion. Over 77,500 people had registered for vaccination in Macau as of 22 March, with 37,700 of those having already received the first dose.
