Transcript of remarks by SFH at media session
*********************************************
Reporter: What's the main reason of the low vaccination rate?
Secretary for Food and Health: I think the vaccination rate this year has already improved compared to last year. Of course there are still rooms for a lot of improvement. Regarding the children vaccination rate, we have been trying to increase the coverage of the sponsorship by the Government, and of course in the coming years, we will continue to assess the situation and to see whether there is a need to further expand the coverage of the sponsorship.
Regarding boosting or stepping up the vaccination rate, especially in children, the Department of Health is trying to work out a plan to improve the coverage or the vaccination rate of children in particular. I think one of the ways is to improve the accessibility of the vaccine, such as having doctors and nurses going to the schools to provide vaccination for the children. Of course we also understand that there may be parents who want to take their children to individual private practitioners as well, so the Department of Health is now devising a plan for next year, in terms of improving the vaccination rate, in particular in children.
Reporter: So you think that the coming year's plan is that you will do more coverage on the school vaccination plan?
Secretary for Food and Health: Obviously we would like to improve the vaccination rate of the flu vaccine, in particular in children. In doing so, there are different strategies, and one of the strategies is to increase or improve the accessibility of taking vaccination, such as having private practitioners or nurses going to schools to give vaccination.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, February 10, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:30
Issued at HKT 11:30
NNNN