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Over 140,000 injections were given to more than 80,000 children under the Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (IVSS) launched by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health in the past five months, the Head of the CHP's Emergency Response and Information Branch, Dr Thomas Chung, said today (April 1).
Dr Chung said that based on present figures, Government has contributed over $11 million to subsidise parents to get flu shots for their children from private doctors.
It was estimated that at least 26% of the 300,000 target children under the age of six had joined the scheme. Such a coverage rate is comparable to overseas experience, ranging from about 20% to 40%, Dr Chung said.
"As the IVSS was just completed yesterday and we expect to receive more reimbursement forms from doctors up until mid-April, the final number of flu vaccines given and coverage rate will be higher than the present figures," Dr Chung said.
Dr Chung said there were 1,272 private doctors enrolled in the scheme. The doctors provided the vaccination in 1,542 clinics in all 18 districts in the territory.
"We express our gratitude to the participating doctors. Without their support, the IVSS would not have been conducted so smoothly," he said.
Dr Chung reminded children who needed two doses and had already received the first dose under the IVSS to receive the second dose before May 31 this year. The second dose is also eligible for $80 subsidy by the Government.
Dr Chung said some parents who did not take their children to be vaccinated under the scheme were mainly concerned about potential side effects and the effectiveness of the flu vaccines.
"The CHP will evaluate the results of the IVSS in the coming few months, which will provide useful information for improvement in its future implementation," he said.
Ends/Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:01
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