Paediatric formulation of Comirnaty vaccine arrives in Hong Kong
****************************************************************
Soon after the arrival of the paediatric formulation vaccine in Hong Kong, government staff carried out stringent checking and inspection in accordance with established procedures to ensure that the vaccine complies with the product specifications and that the transportation process follows the relevant cold-chain requirements. The Government will put the vaccine in validated ultra-low temperature freezers to ensure its proper storage in accordance with the temperature specified by the drug manufacturer.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health strongly urged members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and chronic disease patients, to receive vaccination as early as possible for effective protection against COVID-19. Receiving COVID-19 vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection. Members of the public aged 6 months or above can receive the first three doses for free. The CHP calls on all members of the public who have not received the first three doses of vaccine to get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection.
The Government earlier announced that members of the public belonging to any of the priority groups (i.e. older adults aged 50 or above including those living in residential care homes, persons aged 18 to 49 years with underlying comorbidities, persons aged 6 months or above and with immunocompromising conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers) can receive an additional vaccine booster six months after their last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later) free of charge in 2023, regardless of the number of vaccine doses they received in the past. They can receive specified free doses by making reservation via the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 2023 website. Starting from April 20, those who do not belong to the aforementioned priority groups can receive the booster doses in the private market at their own expense.
The Government has also announced earlier about the latest arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination services and vaccination venues with effect from the end of April. The latest information on vaccination services and vaccination venues is available on the designated website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
Ends/Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
NNNN