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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
People are reminded that this year's influenza vaccination programme at general out-patient clinics and specialist out-patient clinics for eligible people will run from next Monday (November 5) to the end of December. A Hospital Authority spokesman said today (November 1) that this was part of the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme to reduce the risk of influenza infection during the winter peak season of flu.
Eligible people include:
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. 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.
To facilitate patients receiving vaccination programme at the clinics, the spokesperson advised patients to attend the clinics and receive vaccination at the time of their pre-scheduled follow-up appointment. Patients whose follow-up appointment dates fall outside the specified vaccination period should enquire at the clinics for necessary arrangements.
"The above mentioned eligible people who wish to receive vaccination 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."
"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."
As in previous years, the authority will also start its routine annual Influenza Vaccination Programme for public hospital long-stay inpatients this month. 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. Furthermore, vaccinations for authority staff on voluntary basis have also begun.
Ends/Thursday, November 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:10
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