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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) reminded elderly people aged 65 or above that free influenza vaccination would be provided starting from November 10 in preparation for the upcoming 2015/16 influenza season.
"From November 10, under the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP), elderly aged 65 or above living in the community can receive free vaccination from any of the 73 General Out-patient Clinics under the Hospital Authority and 10 designated Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) of the DH," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Regarding the EHCs, members should bring along their Hong Kong Identity Card (HKIC), vaccination record (if available) and member's booklet, while non-members should bring along their HKIC, vaccination record (if available), information about any significant medical problems, history of allergy, contact telephone number and address. The EHCs are detailed in the attachment.
"In view of influenza outbreaks severely affecting the elderly and those with underlying illnesses during the last winter season in early 2015, and their higher risk of developing severe complications or death, we expanded the scope to encourage all elderly aged 65 or above to receive free vaccination from the public sector. We hope that this can boost the overall vaccination coverage, particularly among the elderly, for better protection before the influenza season arrives," the spokesman said.
The GVP, including the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme, and the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2015/16 have been launched in phases from October 15 onwards. As of November 4, more than 101 300 doses of seasonal influenza vaccines had been administered to eligible groups under the GVP through public clinics and hospitals, as well as residential care homes for the elderly and the disabled, while about 69 300 doses administered under the VSS through enrolled private doctors. A total of 170 600 doses have been administered so far, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2014/15.
The public may call the CHP hotline (2125 2125) for enquiries during office hours, or visit the vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html) for more information.
Ends/Friday, November 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:27
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