Seasonal influenza vaccination programmes in 2016/17 conclude

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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) and Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2016/17 today (August 31) concluded as all seasonal influenza vaccines (SIVs) would expire after August 31.

     "Upon expiry of the last batch of SIVs for the GVP and VSS 2016/17, the related vaccination arrangements will be stopped," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "We have reminded the GVP's service providers and private doctors enrolled in the VSS since April and May of the expiry date of SIVs, the latest of which is August 31. Expired vaccines should be properly disposed of to avoid mistakenly administering them to clients," the spokesman said.

     "Members of the public should not receive 2016/17 SIVs after August 31 as they will be expired. We strongly advise the public to get vaccinated in the new season for personal protection before the arrival of the possible winter influenza season. Eligible groups are urged to receive free or subsidised vaccination under the 2017/18 programmes to be launched around October," the spokesman added.

     According to the vaccine manufacturer, 2017/18 SIVs have arrived in Hong Kong in batches. Vaccines procured by the Government will be delivered to service providers, while enrolled doctors are advised to make vaccine orders as appropriate in preparation for the 2017/18 programmes.

     The CHP will continue to hold briefings and meetings for healthcare providers, community partners and the education sector to encourage and facilitate their participation in the vaccination programmes, and closely liaise with relevant government departments on arrangements in the coming season.

     A total of 703 000 doses of SIV were administered in 2016/17, an increase of 18.6 per cent compared to 2015/16, including about 414 000 via the GVP and 288 000 under the VSS, increases of 4.7 and 46.4 per cent respectively.

     The public may call the CHP's hotline (2125 2125) for enquiries.

Ends/Thursday, August 31, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:00

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