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Children above the age of six months and less than 6 years old as well as elderly people aged 65 years and above will be eligible to receive subsidised vaccination from enrolled private doctors participating in the Government's vaccination subsidy schemes starting from September 24.
This year, the Government will increase subsidy for childhood influenza vaccination from $80 to $130. The subsidy level for elderly people remains at $130.
Talking about the increased subsidy level, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Thomas Tsang, said at a press briefing today (July 31), "We hope more parents will bring their children for influenza vaccination before the arrival of the winter flu season.
"Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Except for those with contraindications, influenza vaccination is suitable for all members of the public."
The subsidy schemes are part of the Government's Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS) and Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (EVSS) for 2012/13 respectively.
Under the CIVSS, children above the age of six months and less than 6 years old are entitled to a subsidy of $130 for each dose of seasonal influenza vaccine received from enrolled private doctors, up to a maximum of two doses per person.
As for the EVSS, elderly people aged 65 or above will be entitled to a $130 subsidy for each dose of influenza vaccine and $190 for each dose of pneumococcal vaccine received from private doctors.
Dr Tsang added, "More than 1,500 private doctors have joined the subsidy schemes, providing ample choice for the public." Their information, including the vaccination service fee (after deducting the amount subsidised by the Government), is on the CHP website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Besides the subsidy schemes, the Government Vaccination Programme 2012/13 will be commenced on November 1, providing free seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible groups under public clinics and hospitals.
A telephone hotline (2125 2125) has been set up to answer public enquiries relating to the vaccination subsidy programmes during office hours. Members of the public may also obtain relevant information from the CHP website.
Ends/Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:02
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