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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman today (December 16) reminded the elderly to receive influenza vaccination at public general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) early if they are still considering whether to do so. Under the Government Vaccination Programme, public hospitals and GOPCs have already arranged free vaccination for almost 223 825 eligible persons since the commencement of the programme on October 15, including eligible patients of public hospitals and outpatient clinics and community elderly persons aged 65 or above.
The spokesman pointed out that the appeal was made in view of the projection on the daily consumption pattern for the influenza vaccine stock in each of the 73 GOPCs, which is expected to finish in two to three weeks' time. Meanwhile, the appeal was also extended to healthcare workers who still have not been vaccinated to receive the vaccination at nearby staff clinics.
"In anticipation of the depletion of the existing stockpile of vaccines, the HA has made arrangements to keep the public informed in advance. Individual clinics will display notices in prominent areas to inform the public when the vaccine stock in a particular clinic will be depleted in two to three days, or when all the vaccines have been depleted. Furthermore, daily announcement will be made through press releases and websites on the list of GOPCs where stocks of vaccines are still available until all are depleted."
The HA spokesman reminded elderly people not to receive the vaccination when they have influenza symptoms, fever or severe illness. The vaccination is not suitable for anyone with the above symptoms. Members of the public are welcome to make enquiries at the HA hotline 2300 6555 or visit www.ha.org.hk/goto/GVP201516/EN for detailed information.
Ends/Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:49
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