For those with hypertension and diabetes, doctor consult advised before getting COVID-19 vaccine

By Kyaw Thu Htay 29 Jan 2021

Kyaw Thu Htay| DMG
29 January 2021, Sittwe 

People with hypertension and diabetes should consult with a physician prior to getting the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out across Myanmar, according to the Department of Public Health in Arakan State. 

“People whose blood pressure is over 140/90 should check with a doctor before vaccination. If blood pressure or diabetes is too high, they should not get the vaccine,” said Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the department. 

Those who are to receive the vaccine shot must first fill out a form providing their personal information, and they are injected after having their blood pressure checked. 

Individuals are expected to attain a resting heart rate before being vaccinated, said Dr. Zaw Lwin, superintendent of Sittwe General Hospital.

U Oo Hla Win, a resident of Sittwe, said he was worried about the vaccine although no serious adverse reactions have been reported among health workers who have been vaccinated thus far. 

“I have a desire to get the vaccine. But I am worried about the risk of vaccine side effects for people with underlying diseases,” he said. 

Dr. Zaw Lwin said a nurse from Sittwe General Hospital who was injected with the vaccine on January 27 experienced heart palpitations and chills in the immediate aftermath of her jab, but the symptoms eased after 10 minutes. 

More than 4,400 health workers in Arakan State were vaccinated at township hospitals this week, and healthcare staff from cottage hospitals are being told to come to township hospitals to be vaccinated, said Dr. Soe Win Paing. 

Health workers and volunteers working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 have been placed at the front of the queue for a vaccine rollout that will play out over several months. 

Lawmakers were slated to get their first jabs on January 29-30, and members of the general public will begin receiving shots starting February 5, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

The ministry said children under 18 years old, pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding will not be vaccinated.