Hospital Authority reminds public on flu vaccination
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The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (January 26) said that the current stockpile of influenza vaccines at general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) under the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) is maintained at the level of around 20 000 doses. When an individual clinic foresees that its stockpile of vaccines is going to be depleted soon or when the vaccines have already been depleted, an announcement notice will be displayed in prominent areas at the clinic to inform the public. Furthermore, announcement will also be made through the HA website and mobile app on the list of GOPCs where stocks of vaccines are still available.
Under the GVP, public hospitals and GOPCs have already provided vaccination to more than 330 000 people since the commencement of the programme on November 3 last year.
The spokesperson emphasised that the HA has been in close liaison with the Department of Health (DH) on the supply of influenza vaccines. According to the schedule of new orders of vaccines by the DH, the replenishment stock will arrive at the earliest possible in early February. The HA by then will continue to provide the vaccination service to eligible persons at its clinics.
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 having the above symptoms. Members of the public are welcome to make enquiries at the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours or visit the HA website (www.ha.org.hk/goto/GVP201718/EN) for detailed information.
Remarks: Eligible persons under the vaccination programme include the following categories:
1. Paediatric outpatients with chronic medical problems or on long-term aspirin therapy;
2. Community-living elderly persons aged 65 or above;
3. Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or Hong Kong residents who hold a valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges under the following categories:
i. Persons with chronic medical problems of all ages;
ii. Persons aged 50 or above;
iii. All pregnant women with antenatal appointments in public clinics;
4. Non-institutionalised persons with intellectual disability and being treated at public hospitals or followed up in public clinics; and
5. Persons receiving Disability Allowance and being treated at public hospitals or followed up in public clinics.
Ends/Friday, January 26, 2018
Issued at HKT 12:42
Issued at HKT 12:42
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