Public appeal on influenza vaccination as Seasonal Vaccination Programme comes to end
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The Hospital Authority (HA) was earlier informed by the Department of Health that the Government Vaccination Programme 2016/17 will end on August 31. To dovetail with the Government Vaccination Programme, public hospitals and general out-patient clinics will cease providing seasonal influenza vaccination from September 1 and will resume the service when the Government Vaccination Programme 2017/18 starts.
The HA spokesperson today (August 29) said public hospitals and general out-patient clinics have been providing seasonal influenza vaccination to eligible persons (see remarks below) since November last year and so far more than 290,000 persons have received the vaccination.
"As limited stocks of influenza vaccine are still available at the general out-patient clinics, eligible persons who wish to receive the vaccination are advised to approach a nearby clinic before September 1 to have the vaccination. The HA will continue to co-ordinate with the Government Vaccination Programme in the coming year (2017/18) with details to be announced in due course."
The spokesperson reminded members of the public not to receive the vaccination when they have influenza symptoms, fever or severe illness. The vaccination is not suitable for anyone with the above symptoms. They should defer the vaccination until they have recovered. Members of the public can enquire at the respective specialist clinics or general out-patient clinics they are attending, or make an enquiry at the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours or visit the HA webpage: www.ha.org.hk/goto/GVP201617/EN.
Remarks: Eligible persons include the following categories:
- Paediatric outpatients with chronic medical problems or on long-term aspirin therapy;
- Elderly persons aged 65 or above following up at specialist or general out-patient clinics;
- Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or Hong Kong residents who hold a valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges under the following categories:
- Persons with chronic medical problems of all ages;
- Persons aged 50 or above;
- All pregnant women with antenatal appointments in public clinics;
- Non-institutionalised persons with intellectual disability and being treated at public hospitals or followed up in public clinics; and
- Persons receiving Disability Allowance and being treated at public hospitals or followed up in public clinics.
Ends/Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:15
Issued at HKT 16:15
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