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To reduce the risk of influenza infection and in accordance with the Government's Influenza Vaccination Programme for 2006-07, the Hospital Authority outpatient clinics will start providing influenza vaccinations to eligible persons beginning November 6 until the end of December.
A spokesman for the Hospital Authority today (October 12) said eligible people included the following who attend authority 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. Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) 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. All pregnant women with antenatal appointments in public clinics.
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 November 6.
"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 time to receive an influenza vaccination is in November and December."
To facilitate patients receiving vaccination programme at the clinics, the spokesman advised patients to attend the clinics and receive vaccination at the time of their pre-scheduled follow-up appointment. Patients whose follow-up appointment date fell outside the specified vaccination period should enquire at the clinics for necessary arrangements.
"The above mentioned eligible people who wish to receive vaccinations should attend the outpatient clinics while bringing along relevant documents, including Hong Kong identity card, Hospital Authority 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."
As in previous years, the authority will start its routine annual Influenza Vaccination Programme for public hospital long-stay inpatients from November 6. 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. The authority will also arrange vaccination for staff on voluntary basis from early November.
"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 should 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 the respective specialist or general out-patient clinics where they are attending; or make general enquiry at the authority hotline 2300 6555 during office hours."
Ends/Thursday, October 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:13
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