With the launch of the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2018/19 this Wednesday (October 10), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 8) reminded eligible persons to receive subsidised seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in a timely manner to better protect themselves in the coming winter influenza season.
 
     The coverage of the VSS in 2018/19 has been extended from elderly persons aged 65 or above to Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above, increasing the number of beneficiaries of the scheme by about 1.8 million. The subsidy for SIV under the VSS will also be increased from $190 to $210 per dose for all eligible groups.
 
     The eligible groups are Hong Kong residents who are:
 

• Persons aged 50 years or above;
• Children aged 6 months to under 12 years;
• Persons with intellectual disabilities;
• Persons receiving Disability Allowance, regardless of types of disabilities (i.e. physical, mental, intellectual or other conditions); and
• Pregnant women.

   
     Eligible groups can receive subsidised vaccination from enrolled private doctors in their clinics. Enrolled doctors should display the designated logo near the entrance of their clinics and a pricing poster in the clinic showing their charges. The list of enrolled doctors and their service fees after deducting the government subsidy has been uploaded to the eHealth System (Subsidies) (apps.hcv.gov.hk/SDIR/EN).
 
     "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Given that influenza vaccines are safe and effective, all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive SIV for personal protection," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     "Based on past epidemiological patterns, the winter influenza season usually occurs from January to March/April each year. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, we urge eligible persons to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Vaccination among family members is key to protecting their personal and family's health."
 
     The public, especially eligible groups, may call the CHP's hotline (2125 2125) for enquiries during office hours or visit the CHP's Vaccination Schemes page for more information.

Ends/Monday, October 8, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00

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