SFH inspects outreach vaccination activity at primary school (with photos)
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Dr Ko and Dr Wong visited SKH St Andrew's Primary School in Sham Shui Po and observed the arrangements of the outreach vaccination activity, in which about 790 pupils, around 70 per cent of the total number of pupils, participated.
"In addition to children aged from 6 months to under 6 years, the Government has extended the VSS this year to cover children aged 6 to under 12. Based on previous epidemiological and clinical experiences, vaccinating school children can reduce influenza-related complications, hospitalisations and deaths, potentially reduce absenteeism and improve the learning and teaching environment," Dr Ko said.
Apart from children, the VSS also covers all pregnant women, elders aged 65 or above, community-living persons with intellectual disabilities and persons receiving Disability Allowance. Enrolled private doctors can either provide vaccination at a Government subsidy of $190 per dose of SIV to eligible groups in their clinics, or organise outreach activities.
As it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body after vaccination, Dr Ko reminded eligible groups to get vaccinated early so as to ensure personal protection before the influenza season arrives. He also appealed to parents to consider vaccination for their children as soon as possible.
"We are happy to see that participating schools are working with healthcare personnel to arrange outreach vaccination activities for pupils on campus upon their parents' consent. This provides convenience to both parents and pupils and further promotes vaccination among pupils. Home-school co-operation supported by the medical sector is key to raising vaccination coverage," said Dr Wong.
Dr Wong added that the CHP had been closely monitoring the safety and service quality of outreach activities. Guidelines for enrolled doctors and organisers of outreach activities in non-clinic settings are in place. The CHP's officers conduct regular site inspections to ensure quality assurance.
To date, about 100 doctors have indicated their interest in providing outreach vaccination activities. The list of doctors is available online for easy reference. Around 400 notifications of outreach activities have been received so far, including 49 primary schools, of which 29 have completed their activities. The CHP will monitor the arrangements of outreach vaccination activities with an aim to exploring means to further extend the vaccination coverage among pupils.
As of November 9, about 95 000 doses of SIV had been administered via the VSS (subsidised vaccination), of which about 14 000 were eligible children aged 6 to under 12. About 65 000 doses were administered under the Government Vaccination Programme (free vaccination).
Ends/Friday, November 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:48
Issued at HKT 15:48
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