DH announces latest control and prevention arrangement against measles at airport
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A spokesman for the DH said, "Since the outbreak of measles infection identified at the airport, the DH has implemented control measures including vaccination and blood test services for people working at the airport who are non-immune to measles and most in need. As of 1pm today, a total of 8 278 vaccinations and 648 blood tests were given.
"After reviewing the number of people who turned up in the past two weeks, we believe that the majority of eligible airport staff under our existing target groups have received vaccination or blood testing. Taking into consideration the latest local supply of measles vaccines, we will further update the control and prevention strategy at the airport with a view to providing vaccination for more airport staff who are non-immune to measles."
From April 29 to May 17 (excluding Sundays and public holidays), measles vaccination will be provided to airport staff who:
(1) Were born in or after 1967, and have not received two doses of measles vaccination, and have not been infected with measles before; or
(2) Have laboratory evidence of testing not positive against measles antibody (IgG).
The vaccination quota for the measles vaccination station at the airport will be increased to 600 doses daily. 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 29 to May 17 (excluding Sundays and public holidays) 10am to 1pm 2pm to 6pm |
As for the blood test service, the DH will continue to provide the measles serology test service to about 200 airport staff who were born in or after 1967 daily on April 30 and May 2 and 7.
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 30 and May 2 and 7 9am to 1pm |
In parallel, the DH will launch a pilot service at the blood test station during the same designated dates and times to provide measles serology testing for about a total of 200 Filipino foreign domestic helpers who are coming or returning to work in Hong Kong.
Leaflets will be distributed at the gates of flights arriving from the Philippines. Relevant airlines operating flights from the Philippines have been informed of the arrangement.
The spokesman explained, "Through the pilot service, the DH hopes to better grasp the overall immunity against measles among Filipino foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong. Participants will be informed of the results individually and measles vaccination will be provided to those who do not test positive for measles antibody."
The spokesman added, "With the coverage of measles vaccination service extended, the blood test station at the airport will be closed after May 7."
Ends/Thursday, April 25, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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