CASE STUDY
Advising an Employee on COVID-19 Vaccine
OVERVIEW
An employee with a vaccine allergy reaction history was confused with whether she should receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Her worry increased with COVID-19 cases continue to rise in China. The medical director of her company contacted International SOS for advice.
PROBLEM
Wanting, an employee at a MNC organisation in China, had been feeling anxious recently. She worried about contracting COVID-19 as the number of cases continue to surge in China. She had not been inoculated due to her previous allergic reaction 10 years ago. In addition, she had pre-existing medical conditions that put her at increased risk for complications.
Wanting had received mixed messages regarding whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or not. The government encourages vaccination in light of the recent increase in case numbers. However, one doctor she has visited simply advised her not to vaccinate without explaining the rationale or going through a risk assessment with her.
Wanting had becoming increasingly anxious. The medical director of her company called International SOS for our input.
SOLUTION
The doctor at International SOS Assistance Centre made contact with Wanting and directed her to see an appropriate specialist to assess her risk. The specialist discussed the risks versus benefits of receiving the vaccine with her in details.
Following this risk assessment, both Wanting and the medical director of the company agreed to proceed with vaccination as the benefits outweighed the risks.
IMPACT
Through International SOS network of providers in-country, we were able to provide an appropriate specialist resource to support Wanting in making the informed decision and alleviated concerns and worries amid this challenging time. International SOS also provides extended support to complement the medical director in supporting his employees.