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Children aged between 6 months and less than 6 years old as well as elderly people aged 65 years or above are eligible to receive subsidised vaccinations from enrolled private doctors participating in the Government's vaccination subsidy schemes 2012-13 starting from today (September 24).
The subsidy schemes are part of the Government's Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS) and Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (EVSS) for 2012-13.
In the year of 2012-13, the Government has increased the subsidy for childhood influenza vaccination from $80 to $130. The subsidy level for elderly people remains at $130.
Under the CIVSS, children over the age of 6 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 are entitled to a $130 subsidy for each dose of influenza vaccine. In addition, there will be a subsidy of $190 for eligible elderly people to receive pneumococcal vaccine, if they have not been vaccinated before.
More than 1,500 private doctors are participating in the vaccination subsidy schemes. Private medical doctors who have enrolled in the schemes will display the scheme logos and price posters at their clinics for recognition. In addition, information about participating doctors and the fees that they charge has been posted on the Centre for Health Protection's (CHP) website, www.chp.gov.hk.
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.
In addition to the subsidy schemes, the Government Vaccination Programme 2012/13 will commence on November 1, 2012, providing free seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible groups under public clinics and hospitals.
"Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. Except those with contraindications, influenza vaccination is suitable for all members of the public," a CHP spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, September 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:00
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