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Childhood Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (PCV13 booster) to start this Friday
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (December 11) that the Childhood Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) booster) (CVSS (PCV13 booster)) under the Childhood PCV13 Booster Vaccination Programme (BVP) will commence this Friday (December 13).

     "Hong Kong residents aged from two to under five years old (i.e. born on or after November 26, 2008) who have never received PCV13 are eligible for one subsidised booster dose of PCV13. Children who have ever received PCV13 do not need to receive it again," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The spokesman reminded parents of eligible children should make appointments with private doctors to confirm that vaccine is available before they bring their children to the clinic for vaccination.

     Parents of eligible children will be offered a discounted fee (after deducting the vaccine provided by the Government and the Government's subsidy for an injection fee of $50) from the participating private doctors for PCV13 vaccination service. It is important to note that the fees charged by different private doctors may vary.

     "As of noon today, about 1,100 doctors have joined the CVSS (PCV13 booster). Information of enrolled doctors and the fees they charge have been uploaded to the DH's e-Health system (https://apps.hcv.gov.hk/SDIR/en/index.aspx). As with other existing Vaccination Subsidy Schemes, the Government will not set limitations on any additional fees to be charged by enrolled private doctors. A designated logo and pricing poster set for the CVSS (PCV13 booster) will be provided to the enrolled private clinics for identification by the public. Additional fees should also be clearly specified on the pricing posters displayed at their clinics for the public's easy reference," the spokesman remarked.

     The DH has liaised with the local vaccine supplier of PCV13 to ensure that there are sufficient doses for the BVP and to meet local needs. The subsidised vaccines will be directly supplied to enrolled private doctors. An injection fee of $50 for each dose of PCV13 given to eligible children will be reimbursed to the private doctors through the e-Health system.

     "The DH will continue to maintain close liaison with private doctors and the vaccine supplier during implementation. The BVP will be completed by June 30, 2014," the spokesman said.

     The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 2125) for public enquiries relating to the BVP during office hours. Members of the public may also visit the CHP's website on vaccination programmes (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/18870.html) for more information.

    "The Government will remain vigilant against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). As preceding infection with influenza will lead to more severe illnesses caused by IPD, the CHP will enhance preparedness for the winter influenza season. The CHP will step up publicity to enlist community support and promote awareness on personal health, environmental hygiene and infection control," the spokesman reiterated.

     Members of the public may visit the CHP's IPD page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/32346.html) for more information.

Ends/Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:35

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