Health Corner

COVID-19 Vaccination Health Check Program

Many people wish to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves from the virus. However, potential side effects from the vaccine cause some hesitation. The Centre for Health Protection’s guidelines state that individuals with serious chronic illnesses should delay vaccination until their conditions are stable. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. For those worried about severe allergic reactions after vaccination, undergoing a COVID-19 vaccination health check beforehand can help assess potential risks.

Why get a vaccination health check before receiving the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccination health check provides a comprehensive medical assessment for people who want to understand their health status before vaccination. It helps identify any underlying risks of chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Doctors will explain the results of the health check, helping to ease concerns about vaccination.

Common purposes of a vaccination health check:

Chronic diseases

Serious adverse reactions after vaccination are often linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues. The vaccination health check focuses on identifying these illnesses to provide a preliminary assessment of vaccination risks.

Possible vaccine allergies

Ingredients in vaccines — such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate — may trigger allergic reactions. By testing for vaccine allergies, the health check helps identify individuals who might be sensitive to these components. This is especially important for those with a history of allergies, severe asthma, or hypersensitivity.

Who should consider the “COVID-19 Vaccination Health Check”?

• People who have not had a medical check-up recently

• Individuals who have experienced angina pectoris

• Adults aged 60 or above

• People with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia) who are not under regular medical follow-up

• Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases

Deciding whether to receive the vaccine or consult a doctor

After the vaccination health check, individuals can use the results to assess their vaccination risk and decide whether to proceed. If in doubt, they should seek further medical advice.