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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Members of the public are reminded today (May 19) that the Hospital Authority (HA) will start providing free Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Influenza Vaccination to community-living elderly persons aged 85 or above in all HA General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs), Specialist Out-patient Clinics (SOPCs) and public hospitals from tomorrow (May 20).
The HA spokesman pointed out that the vaccination service aims to support the Government to implement the Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme. Vaccination services are provided in all GOPCs in the territory (addresses and telephone numbers of 73 GOPCs are accessible at the following link: www.ha.org.hk/goto/GOPC-SHSIV). Eligible elderly people can choose to receive vaccination in any GOPC in the coming few weeks. No prior booking for vaccination is required.
"Eligible elderly persons who have follow-up appointments in GOPCs and SOPCs in the coming few weeks can choose to receive vaccination when they attend their scheduled appointments," the spokesperson added.
"Eligible elderly people only need to bring valid documents, including their Hong Kong identity card, Vaccination Records and HA outpatient clinic appointment slips (if available), and approach the staff at the Registration Counter of the clinic. The staff will then arrange for vaccination. The service hours for vaccination at GOPCs are from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm every Monday to Friday, excluding evenings, weekends and public holidays. All outpatient clinics will display posters in prominent places to inform the public of the vaccination arrangements."
Elderly persons who have influenza symptoms, fever or are severely ill are reminded not to receive the vaccination. They should defer the vaccination until they have fully recovered. Members of the public can make enquiries at the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours or visit the following website: www.ha.org.hk/goto/SHSIV for detailed information.
Ends/Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:21
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