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To reduce the risk of influenza infection and in accordance with the Government's Influenza Vaccination Programme for 2006-07, the Hospital Authority (HA) outpatient clinics will extend the provision of influenza vaccination to the following eligible persons until the end of February 2007.
A spokesman for HA today (December 28) said that eligible persons include the following who attend HA outpatient clinics:
1. Paediatric outpatients with chronic diseases or on long-term aspirin therapy;
2. Elderly aged 65 or above with chronic diseases and are being followed up in public clinics;
3. Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) in the following categories:
i. Persons with chronic diseases of all ages;
ii. Elderly aged 65 or above;
iii. All pregnant women with antenatal appointments in public clinics.
Poultry workers and people who are involved in poultry culling operations, as referred by relevant departments, can also receive influenza vaccinations in the designated outpatient clinics from today.
A spokesman for the HA advised the above-mentioned eligible persons who have not been vaccinated, to receive vaccination before the end of February 2007.
The spokesman, advised patients to attend the clinics and receive vaccination at the time of their pre-scheduled follow-up appointment. Patients whose follow-up appointment date falls outside the specified vaccination period (November 6, 2006 - February 28, 2007) should enquire at the clinics and make new arrangements.
"The above-mentioned eligible persons who wish to be vaccinated should attend the outpatient clinics while bringing along relevant documents, including Hong Kong identity card, HA outpatient clinic appointment slip, CSSA certificate and vaccination authorisation issued by the Government. They will be vaccinated if assessed as clinically suitable by clinic staff," the spokesman said.
As in previous years, the HA started its routine annual Influenza Vaccination Programme for public hospital long-stay inpatients on November 6. The programme covers inpatients of infirmary and psycho-geriatric units, inpatients who are mentally ill and mentally handicapped, inpatients with chronic diseases, paediatric inpatients with chronic diseases or on long-term aspirin therapy. The HA has also been arranging vaccination for staff on a voluntary basis from early November.
"Influenza vaccine is very safe and usually well tolerated apart from occasional soreness at the injection site. In rare instances, the recipient may experience fever, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness starting six to 12 hours after vaccination and lasting up to two days," the spokesman said.
Only an extremely small percentage of people are not suitable for vaccination. People who intend to receive the vaccination are advised to consult their doctor or nurse-in-charge prior to the vaccination if they have ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to previous dose of influenza vaccine; or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
"People who have flu symptoms, fever or are severely ill at the time of vaccination should defer the vaccination and wait until they have recovered. Patients can enquire at the respective specialist or general out-patient clinics where they are attending; or make general enquiries at the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours."
Ends/Thursday, December 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:21
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