A foreigner receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot at a hospital in Ningbo's Jiangbei district on April 19. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has begun offering COVID-19 vaccines for foreigners, as well as compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan aged 18 and above.

The foreigners eligible to receive these vaccines are those currently working and living in Ningbo excluding personnel of embassies and consulates in China and foreign Chinese.

The vaccine currently used in Ningbo is mainly the vero cell vaccine, which might be adjusted in the future.

Foreigners with local medical insurance certificates can apply for free vaccines, while those without the certificates can register for vaccinations and will be charged 100 yuan ($15.38) for a vaccine shot.

Compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan with Chinese mainland residence permits or medical insurance certificates can make appointments for free vaccinations on the basis of willingness and informed consent, the same policy and procedure governing mainland residents.

Free vaccinations are also available to teachers and students from the three places working or studying in the city with relevant certificates provided by their schools.

Compatriots who do not fall into the two aforementioned scopes in principle will be charged 100 yuan for a vaccine dose.

A foreigner receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot at a hospital in Ningbo's Jiangbei district on April 19. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Those eligible, either foreigners or compatriots, can make a reservation individually or submit applications to their companies or schools, which will be responsible to register for them.

There are 22 sites across the city designated to offer vaccinations for them.

Recipients should remain at the inoculation site for a 30-minute observation after receiving the vaccine to ensure that there are no adverse reactions.