The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced today that the 2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will commence on September 26, introducing a crucial public health initiative aimed at curbing influenza spread as temperatures begin to drop.
Despite current low levels of seasonal influenza activity in the region, health officials anticipate an uptick in cases as the weather cools. The CHP urged residents to take proactive measures by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to safeguard their health during the upcoming flu season.
This year, the eligibility criteria for free or subsidized flu shots will largely mirror those of the previous season. However, the CHP has expanded vaccination access by introducing additional venues. Notably, the Department of Health’s Maternal & Child Health Centres (MCHC) will now offer vaccinations for children aged six months to under two years. Additionally, 16 District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses will be available for the general public.
Parents can begin booking appointments for their young children at designated MCHCs starting September 23 at 9 a.m. via the online booking system.
In a bid to enhance vaccination uptake, the CHP reported that over 1,600 doctors have enrolled in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, which provides a $260 subsidy per vaccination dose. Notably, more than half of these participating doctors will not impose additional fees beyond the government’s subsidy.
To bolster vaccine coverage among schoolchildren, the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme has introduced new arrangements for the forthcoming season. Kindergartens and child-care centres can now choose between injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (nasal vaccines) for their outreach activities.
As of now, 860 kindergartens and child-care centres have scheduled vaccination activities. Out of these, 246 schools will administer nasal vaccines, seven will offer both nasal and injectable vaccines, while the remainder will provide only IIV this year. Additionally, a pilot scheme will extend nasal vaccines to select primary and secondary schools that expressed interest earlier this year.
The CHP also highlighted its commitment to vulnerable populations through the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme, which allows the Department of Health to deliver vaccines free of charge to care homes. Visiting medical officers, enlisted by participating institutions, will provide vaccination services to eligible residents, with a subsidy of $105 per dose.
As Hong Kong prepares for the flu season, the CHP’s comprehensive vaccination programmes aim to protect the health of the community and reduce the potential burden of influenza.
