The Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine was Launched in Chongqing

 Reprinted from: Chongqing Daily

Link to original article: https://wap.cqrb.cn/detail?classId=10&id=620736

On April 7, Chongqing Daily reporter learned from Jiangbei District CDC, Ba'nan District CDC and Nan'an District CDC that the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine was launched in Chongqing. On the same day, the first smart mobile vaccination vehicle in Southwest China was unveiled to solve the “last mile” problem of vaccination against COVID-19.

▲    On April 7, 2021, in Jiangbeizui, citizens are registering their identity information for vaccination. Reported by Xie Zhiqiang, Photo by Visual Chongqing

It is understood that the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cells) jointly developed by the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd. was approved for emergency use on March 10 and has been vaccinated for use in several provinces. So far, three technical routes of COVID-19 vaccines have been produced in China, namely inactivated vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, and adenovirus vector vaccine. Chongqing currently provides COVID-19 vaccines through the first two technical routes.

▲    On the mobile COVID-19 vaccination vehicle, citizens are vaccinated with recombinant COVID-19 vaccine. Reported by Xie Zhiqiang, Photo by Visual Chongqing

At 1:00 p.m. that day, the first intelligent mobile vaccination vehicle was driven to the office building of Jiangbeizui Rural Commercial Bank. The appearance of the mobile vaccination vehicle was similar to that of the ordinary bus. There were three vaccination platforms in the vehicle, which could vaccinate three recipients at the same time. Intelligent devices such as intelligent refrigerators and 5G communication modules are equipped in the car, which provides convenience for vaccine storage and real-time communication of vaccination information. At the same time, the car is equipped with air purification and disinfection equipment, safety seats, emergency treatment equipment and 360-degree intelligent monitoring facilities, which also provides a safety guarantee for vaccination work.

▲    Citizens queued up in an orderly manner to enter the mobile COVID-19 vaccination vehicle for vaccination. Reported by Xie Zhiqiang, Photo by Visual Chongqing

On the vaccination vehicle, the medical staffs were vaccinated with the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine. According to reports, the technical principle of the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cells) is similar to that of the mature hepatitis B CHO cell vaccine, which directly produces antigens in vitro. Because only small and short active ingredients are used, the composition is very simple, and there are only several main surface proteins, so some side effects that other ingredients may produce and related diseases caused by the vaccine are avoided.

▲    Medical staff are preparing for vaccination. Reported by Xie Zhiqiang, Photo by Visual Chongqing

A total of 3 doses of recombinant subunit vaccine should be administered, with a recommended interval of at least 4 weeks between 2 adjacent doses. After 3 doses of vaccination, not only the neutralizing antibody level doubles and can reach twice the level of COVID-19 patients, but also the immune effect is longer.

According to the relevant person in charge of Jiangbei District CDC, although the technical routes of inactivated vaccines and recombinant vaccines are different, they are developed by combining the characteristics of antigen itself and pathogen itself and adopting suitable technology. Moreover, they are all examined and approved by the drug administration department, and their safety and effectiveness are supported by certain data, so the public can rest assured of vaccination.

▲    The medical staffs are explaining the precautions for vaccination to the public. Reported by Xie Zhiqiang, Photo by Visual Chongqing

Can different types of COVID-19 vaccines be vaccinated alternately at this stage? The person in charge said that at this stage, it is recommended to complete vaccination with the same vaccine product, such as the first injection of recombinant subunit vaccine, and then only this type of vaccine can be vaccinated, which cannot be replaced by COVID-19 inactivated vaccine.

In the next step, the smart mobile vaccination vehicles in Jiangbei District will enter schools, enterprises and parks to provide COVID-19 vaccine vaccination services and speed up the establishment of the national immunization barrier.