**************************************************
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, visited a community health centre in Lam Tin to observe the implementation of the Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (EVSS), which was launched today (October 19).
Under the scheme, a government subsidy of $130 is provided to the elderly aged 65 or above to receive a seasonal influenza inoculation and a $190 subsidy for them to receive pneumococcal vaccinations from enrolled private doctors under the EVSS.
The subsidy for the influenza vaccination is provided between today and the end of March next year while that for pneumococcal vaccination is ongoing.
"The scheme is intended to protect the elderly from complications of influenza infection before the arrival of the peak influenza season," Dr Chow said.
Meanwhile, children aged between six months and less than six years with Hong Kong resident status are entitled to a government subsidy of $80 per dose of influenza vaccine administered by private doctors under the Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS), which also started today.
Children aged six or above and attending kindergartens or child care centres can also receive the subsidy. They are required to show relevant documents, such as a student handbook, to prove their attendance at a pre-primary institution.
Lists of doctors enrolled in the EVSS and CIVSS, addresses and telephone numbers of the clinics along with fees charged for different types of vaccinations are available from the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Participating doctors are required to display EVSS and/or CIVSS logos and fee information at their clinics.
The CHP has set up a hotline 2125 2125 for enquiries on the two schemes.
During the first week of the launch, the hotline will operate from 8am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5.30pm on the first Saturday and Sunday. It will operate from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays during subsequent weeks.
Members of the public can also find information on influenza and pneumococcal infection and more details about the vaccination subsidy schemes at the CHP website.
Ends/Monday, October 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:57
NNNN
