************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority outpatient clinics will start providing influenza vaccination to eligible people from November 5 until end of December to reduce the risk of influenza infection and in accordance with the Government's Influenza Vaccination Programme for 2007-08.
Chief Manager (Infection, Emergency & Contingency) of the Hospital Authority Dr Liu Shao-haei said today (October 16) said that eligible people included the following who attended authority outpatient clinics:
1. Paediatric outpatients with chronic diseases or on long-term aspirin therapy;
2. Elderly aged 65 or above with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, renal disease, liver disease and cancer; and are being followed up in public clinics;
3. Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) in the following categories:
i) People of all ages with chronic diseases.
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 22 designated outpatient clinics from November 19.
"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. The best thing is to receive influenza vaccination in November and December."
To facilitate patients receiving vaccination programme at the clinics, Dr Liu advised patients to attend the clinics and receive vaccinations 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 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 5. 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 Hospital Authority will also arrange vaccination for staff and volunteers 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."
"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," Dr Liu said.
Patients can enquire at the respective specialist or general out-patient clinics where they are attending; or make general enquiry at the Hospital Authority hotline 2300 6555 during office hours.
Ends/Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:16
NNNN
