DH announces control and prevention arrangements against measles at airport
***************************************************************

     A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (April 3) said that the DH anticipates that the measles outbreak at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will last for a period of time, hence the control measures at the airport including vaccination and blood test services will remain available. The arrangements for these services will be adjusted taking into consideration the latest situation.
 
     Regarding the measles vaccination service, in view of the tight supply of measles vaccines around the globe currently, the DH has to reserve vaccines for people who are most in need and arrange vaccinations for those who do not have sufficient immunity against measles in a more effective and timely manner. Vaccination for eligible airport staff at the airport vaccination station will continue to be provided to the following target groups:

(1) Born in or after 1967, and have not received two doses of measles vaccination, and have not been infected with measles before, and with evidence of living with infants under 1-year-old or living with pregnant women; or

(2) Have laboratory evidence of testing not positive against measles antibody (IgG).

     Details of evidence are as follows:

(a) Supporting documents for living with infants under 1-year-old: for example birth certificate, discharge summary or vaccination card of the infant
(b) Supporting documents for living with pregnant women: for example, positive pregnancy tests or antenatal follow-up cards of the pregnant women
(c) Supporting documents for laboratory evidence: for example blood results from the DH's measles serology test or any laboratory within the past 12 months
 
     From this Friday to next Friday (April 5 to 12), the vaccination quota for the measles vaccination station at the airport remains at 500 doses daily. After reviewing the latest situation, the DH will operate the vaccination station at Level 5, Terminal 2 of the HKIA only, starting this Friday.

     The venue and operation hours of the airport vaccination station are as follows:
     
Venue: Multi-function Room, HKIA Tower (Level 5, Terminal 2)
Hours: April 5 to 12

10am to 1pm
2pm to 6pm
 
     As for the blood test service, the DH will continue with the provision of a measles serology test service for airport staff to identify those who need the measles vaccination. From next Monday to Friday (April 8 to 12), the DH will provide blood test service daily to around 100 airport staff who were born in or after 1967, with priority to be given to staff belonging to target group (1). The blood test service will be suspended from this Friday to Sunday (April 5 to 7). The DH will notify the participants individually of the serology results.
 
     The venue and operation hours of the airport blood test station are as follows:
     
Venue: South side before the Immigration Hall at Level 3 of Terminal 2 (non-restricted area)
Hours: April 8 to 12

10am to 1pm
2pm to 6pm

Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:15

NNNN