With the implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the Department of Health (DH) started distributing Sinovac vaccines to private doctors and clinics participating in the programme under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme since March 1. The programme has been running smoothly since its launch. As at today (March 17), more than 1 200 doctors (over 1 300 clinic locations) joining the programme have approached DH to place orders for more than 170 000 doses of vaccine. Around 160 000 doses of vaccines have already been delivered to the doctors' clinics. And about 53 000 persons received their first dose of Sinovac vaccine at private doctors and clinics participating in the programme.
      
     As at today, DH has completed over 1 500 doctors' (involving over 2 100 clinics) enrolment applications and uploaded the list of participating private doctors and clinics that have made vaccine orders to the designated website of the programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/VSS). The DH will continue to process the new applications received and update the list regularly as appropriate.  In general, the applications from private doctors and clinics will be processed within three working days after all the required supporting documents are received.
      
     The DH has earlier organised a briefing for participating private doctors on the details of the programme, including that each private doctor will be allocated a certain number of doses of the Sinovac vaccine at the onset. After the doses are nearly finished, the private doctors may make orders according to their needs. The DH will co-ordinate the delivery of the vaccines and monitor the overall vaccine usage, based on the private doctors' usage of the vaccines and vaccine supply.
      
     Members of the public can choose and make an appointment for vaccination direct with a private doctor or clinic under the programme, without going through the Government online booking system. When going for vaccination, one need to bring the identity document and proof for priority group.  The public can also read the fact sheet for CoronaVac and other relevant information on the designated webpage (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/vaccine).
      
     The DH appeals to members of the public to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, with a view to safeguarding public health in the community. For details please visit the thematic website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).  

Ends/Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 23:31

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