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Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (February 3):
Question:
It has been reported earlier that a survey conducted by a childhood vaccines concern group has indicated that more than 30% of the parents interviewed did not know that the Government had started to provide free pneumococcal catch-up vaccinations for children under two years old since September last year, more than 60% of the parents interviewed said that they had not yet taken their children to Maternal and Child Health Centres for such vaccination, and more than 80% of the parents interviewed considered that the Government's publicity work was insufficient. Moreover, the concern group has also pointed out that at present, the Government focuses its publicity work on the Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, and it suggests that the Government should at the same time enhance publicity on the various vaccinations as well as simplify the procedure for making appointments for vaccinations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the respective numbers of children vaccinated through the Childhood Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme and the Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme since the implementation of the two schemes on September 1 and October 19 last year respectively; how such numbers compare with the originally expected numbers; the respective numbers of vaccinations already disposed of at present and those expected to be disposed of after the expiry of the two schemes; and
(b) whether the authorities have assessed if parents will be confused by the need to arrange for their children to receive a number of vaccinations within the same period; if the assessment outcome is in the affirmative, whether the authorities will consider making improvements (including enhancing publicity on the effectiveness of the vaccinations concerned, simplifying the procedure for making appointments for vaccinations, adding more locations for vaccinations and extending the office hours to facilitate parents in bringing their children to receive vaccinations after work)?
Reply:
President,
Vaccination is one of the important aspects in safeguarding public health. Throughout the years, the Government has been providing the necessary vaccinations to eligible children through the Childhood Immunisation Programme (CIP) and other vaccination programmes. The types and schedule of vaccinations provided are based on scientific evidence. The arrangements of receiving a number of vaccinations within the same period, or to receive a few doses of the same vaccination according to the vaccination schedule have been implemented for years and are generally known to the public. Our replies to the specific questions are as follows:
(a) Pneumococcal vaccination programme
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Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been included in the CIP since September 1, 2009. All infants born on or after July 1, 2009 can receive free pneumococcal vaccination in the Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) of the Department of Health (DH) according to the vaccination schedule.
In addition, DH has been providing catch-up pneumococcal vaccination starting from the same date for children below the age of two at that time. Children born between September 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009 (both dates inclusive) can receive free catch-up pneumococcal vaccination at MCHCs. The catch-up programme will last until March 31, 2011.
As at January 31, 2010, over 21,800 infants had received pneumococcal vaccinations at MCHCs under the CIP. As there were around 36,000 eligible infants during the concerned period, the coverage rate was about 61%. On the other hand, as at January 31, 2010, among the 128,000 eligible children, over 73,700 had received pneumococcal vaccination at MCHCs under the catch-up programme, representing about 58% coverage rate. The above figures have not reflected those who have received pneumococcal vaccination at the private sector, and those who have returned to the Mainland or went overseas and thus have not received vaccination in Hong Kong.
DH purchases the vaccines for the above programmes by batches and can adjust the procured amount having regard to the actual situation. DH anticipates that all the vaccines procured could be fully utilised.
Seasonal influenza vaccination programme
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Regarding seasonal influenza, the Government launched the "Government Vaccination Programme (GVP)" since October 19, 2009 to provide free seasonal influenza vaccination to target groups of the population. The target groups include all children between the age of six months and less than six years old coming from Comprehensive Social Security Assistance families (estimated at around 19,000 children). They can receive free seasonal influenza vaccination at MCHCs. In parallel, the Government introduced the "Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS)" to subsidise other children of the same age group to receive seasonal influenza vaccination from private doctors enrolled in the Scheme. It is estimated that around 360,000 children are eligible for the CIVSS. The two programmes will last until March 31, 2010.
As at January 31, 2010, over 6,500 and 68,300 children received seasonal influenza vaccinations under the GVP and CIVSS respectively, representing about 34% and 19% coverage rates.
The GVP has been implemented for many years and the amount of vaccines required could be estimated based on past statistics. DH can also make necessary adjustment on the procured amount based on actual situation. Regarding CIVSS, private doctors participating in the scheme have to purchase vaccines themselves and the Government is not required to procure any vaccine in advance.
(b) Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been included into the CIP since September 1, 2009 and catch-up pneumococcal vaccination has been provided to children under the age of two starting from the same date. Provision of pneumococcal vaccination service at MCHCs is in line with the existing arrangement for other vaccinations under CIP. Children can receive their pneumococcal vaccination when they receive other vaccinations under CIP without the need of separate appointment. If a child's catch-up vaccination schedule falls outside the CIP schedule, special arrangements have been made by DH to provide vaccination services on Sundays. This arrangement does not affect existing services of MCHCs on the one hand, and provides conveniences to parents on the other hand. It has not caused any confusion.
CIVSS is a co-operative arrangement between the Government and private doctors. The scheme is launched before the winter peak influenza season each year with a view to reducing hospitalisations of children with influenza infection. At present, over 1,400 private doctors have enrolled in CIVSS to provide influenza vaccination service at more than 1,700 clinics in the 18 districts. As regards GVP, it has been implemented smoothly for many years to provide eligible children with free seasonal influenza vaccinations through the 31 MCHCs in Hong Kong.
Proper immunisation records are kept at MCHCs. Each child has been provided with their immunisation records to enable parents to know clearly the type and time of vaccinations received in the past as well as the next vaccination schedule. Staff of MCHCs will also remind parents of the next vaccination schedule. On the other hand, children's vaccination records under CIVSS are kept under the eHealth System. DH has also issued guidelines to private doctors enrolled in the CIVSS to encourage them to provide vaccination records to parents.
The Government has spared no efforts in promoting and publicising the vaccination programmes. There are TV and radio Announcement of Public Interest and briefings about the vaccination programmes have been provided from time to time through media interviews. Information leaflets have been distributed through MCHCs, private doctors enrolled in CIVSS, child care centres and kindergartens. Promotional posters and information leaflets have also been delivered to various health service points. In addition, DH has developed a website and set up a telephone hotline (2125 2125) to answer public enquiries.
Ends/Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:13
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