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To reduce the risk of influenza infection and in accordance with the Government's Influenza Vaccination Programme, the Hospital Authority (HA) outpatient clinics will start providing influenza vaccination to the eligible persons commencing Monday, November 7 until end of December.
Poultry workers and people who are involved in poultry culling operation, as referred by relevant departments, can also receive influenza vaccination in 23 designated outpatient clinics from 7 November.
Eligible persons include the following who attend HA outpatient clinics:
1. Paediatric outpatients with chronic diseases or on long term aspirin therapy;
2. Elderly aged 65 or above with chronic diseases and are being followed up in public
clinics;
3. CSSA recipients in the following categories:
i. Persons with chronic diseases of all ages;
ii. Elderly aged 65 or above;
iii. Children aged six to 23 months;
iv. Pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester with antenatal appointments in
public clinics.
The influenza season is usually at its peak between January and March. Protection provided by vaccination develops about two weeks after getting a flu shot and may last up to one year. Therefore, the best timing to receive influenza vaccination is in November and December.
To facilitate patients receiving vaccination programme at the clinics, the HA spokesman advises patients to attend the clinics and receive vaccination at the time of their pre-scheduled follow-up appointment. Patients whose follow-up appointment date falls outside the specified vaccination period should enquire at the clinics for necessary arrangement.
The above mentioned eligible persons who wish to receive vaccination should attend the outpatient clinics while bringing along relevant documents, including Hong Kong identity card, HA outpatient clinic appointment slip, CSSA certificate and vaccination authorisation issued by the Government. They will be vaccinated if assessed as clinically suitable by clinic staff.
Meanwhile, HA will start its routine annual Influenza Vaccination Programme from November 7 this year. The programme covers inpatients of infirmary and psycho-geriatric units, inpatients who are mentally-ill and mentally handicapped, inpatients with chronic diseases, paediatric inpatients with chronic diseases or on long-term aspirin therapy. HA has also arranged vaccination for staff on voluntary basis since end of October.
Influenza vaccine is very safe and usually well tolerated apart from occasional soreness at the injection site. In rare instances, the recipient may experience fever, muscle and joint pains, and tiredness beginning six to 12 hours after vaccination and lasting up to two days.
Only an extremely small percentage of people are not suitable for vaccination. People who intend to receive the vaccination are suggested to consult the doctor or nurse-in-charge prior to the vaccination if they ever have a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to previous dose of influenza vaccine; or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
People who have flu symptoms, fever or are severely ill at the time of vaccination should defer the vaccination and wait until they have recovered. Patients can enquire at their own clinics; they can also call the HA hotline at 2300-6555 during office hours.
Ends/Saturday, November 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:20
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