Public urged again to receive seasonal influenza vaccination early
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"Since SIV is one of the effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reduce influenza-related hospitalisation and death, all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive SIV for personal protection. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public, particularly persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, should receive SIV early," a spokesman for the DH said.
The Government has rolled out various SIV programmes since September last year to provide eligible members of the public with free or subsidised SIV. As of May 1, over 1.54 million doses of SIV had been administered via the Government Vaccination Programme, the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) and the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach (Free of Charge) Programme 2022/23, representing a 24.5 per cent rise over the same period in 2021/22 season.
On the supply of vaccine under SIV programmes, the spokesman pointed out that the Government has been closely monitoring the vaccination and supply of SIV and has maintained close liaison with the suppliers. Generally speaking, each year's SIV can be used until their expiry in March to August and SIV for the new season will be manufactured and made available later in the year. The Government understands that the demand of SIV from some private doctors are keen, and the DH is proactively co-ordinating relevant suppliers and has informed them to reallocate some of the SIV reserved for the Government in 2022/23 season to private market when needed, while ensuring the supply for the Government's SIV programmes is sufficient. Private doctors can contact the relevant vaccine suppliers to place their purchase order directly according to their needs. The Government has also requested all suppliers to touch base with private doctors so as to ensure that the doctors can obtain enough vaccines on time.
The spokesman also appealed to eligible persons, especially the elderly and children, to receive free or subsidised SIV in public healthcare system through various Government programmes or by private doctors/clinics under the VSS as soon as possible.
The spokesman reminded the public that, besides receiving vaccination as early as possible for personal protection, wearing a surgical mask can also prevent transmission of respiratory viruses. It is thus still essential for persons with respiratory symptoms, even if the symptoms are mild, to wear a surgical mask. Symptomatic patients should refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised). It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask.
Moreover, members of the public are advised to take the following measures to prevent respiratory tract infections:
- Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
- When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
- Cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
- Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
For the latest information, please visit the influenza page and COVID-19 & Flu Express by the Centre for Health Protection of the DH. As for vaccination, the public may visit the Vaccination Schemes page.
Ends/Thursday, May 4, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
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