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Staff of essential services and emergency operations in the civil service have been urged to get influenza vaccinations.
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (February 16) said, "Letters of invitation are being issued by DH from today through the Security Bureau to Heads of Department in the disciplinary forces, Auxiliary Medical Service and Civil Aid Service for distribution to the essential services and emergency operations team members."
The spokesman said, "In light of rapid developments in the avian flu outbreaks in several Asian countries, the possibility of detecting local human cases of H5 influenza does exist.
"In case a series of public health control measures and emergency operations are required, it is important that the public service maintains a healthy workforce, capable of being called out at times of urgent need."
Starting from Wednesday (February 18), staff bringing along a completed form stamped with the department's chop can attend any one of the 64 general outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority during clinic operation hours to receive an influenza vaccination.
A similar invitation letter will be sent to other Heads of Department/Bureau this week for distribution to the essential services and emergency operations team members. The influenza vaccination service will be provided in the coming weeks.
The spokesman said that the influenza vaccine currently in use as recommended by the World Health Organization did not prevent avian influenza, but it could help prevent the common influenza infection.
"The vaccine is effective, well-tolerated and safe, and the decision to receive the vaccination or otherwise is entirely voluntary," he added.
"It is expected that about 45,000 staff will be involved. Adequate stock of the vaccine has been reserved for this exercise," he said.
Ends/Monday, February 16, 2004
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