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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (September 11) that the existing immunisation programme against influenza was aimed at reducing the infection rate of three most vulnerable groups: residents in elderly homes, the mentally and physically disabled in rehabilitation homes and health care workers.

Protection of these groups against being infected with influenza will help to reduce confusion of symptoms with those of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

At the height of the SARS epidemic, the majority of suspected elderly SARS patients came from residential homes for frail elders. Reduction of influenza in this population of elders would also reduce the need for hospitalisation and the risk of possible cross-infection in hospitals.

"The Government has always accorded high priority to providing vulnerable groups with vaccination against influenza. These groups include 59 000 elders living in elderly homes and 10 000 disabled residents in rehabilitation homes," the spokesman said.

"Meanwhile, Hospital Authority will introduce influenza vaccination programme for patients of infirmary units, psychogeriatric in-patients, institutionalised mentally handicapped patients, paediatric patients in need of long term aspirin therapy, paediatric patients with chronic lung or heart diseases, mentally ill in-patients and all health care workers.

"The Government will seek the views of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation in reviewing the policy on whether or not elderly persons with financial difficulties such as those on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance should also be offered free immunisation."

He reiterated that the Government would ensure all preparations would be in place to tackle any contingency that might arise from the re-emergence of SARS.

End/Thursday, September 11, 2003

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