Health officials in Hong Kong are calling on residents to get vaccinated quickly as seasonal influenza and COVID-19 activity increases, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations.
The Centre for Health Protection reported Thursday that influenza activity has risen from previous low levels, while COVID-19 transmission is also gaining momentum. The JN.1 variant currently dominates local infections.
Vaccination efforts have shown promising results, with approximately 1.745 million seasonal influenza vaccine doses administered as of December 15 — a 5% increase from the same period last year. Notably, vaccination rates among adults aged 50-64 and adolescents aged 12-18 have jumped 17% and 27% respectively.
This year’s vaccination strategy includes innovative approaches, such as allowing kindergartens and child care centers to offer both injectable and nasal vaccine options. Despite these efforts, vaccination coverage for children under two remains low at 16.4%, prompting health officials to encourage parents to take advantage of expanded vaccination services.
“Both influenza and COVID-19 can lead to serious complications, particularly for young children and elderly individuals,” said a health department spokesperson. “Vaccination remains our most effective preventive measure.”
The Department of Health has expanded vaccination accessibility, opening Maternal & Child Health Centres to all children aged six months to two years and providing online booking options.
Health authorities strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals, especially young children and seniors, receive their initial vaccine doses promptly to mitigate potential health risks.
Residents can schedule vaccinations through multiple channels, including community vaccination centers, private clinics, and designated health service centers.
The public health message is clear: prevention through vaccination is key to managing the current infectious disease landscape.