The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with a number of Principal Officials, today (March 22) received the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine at the Central Government Offices. Mrs Lam appealed to the public to actively support the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, noting that they should make reservations and get vaccinated early to protect themselves and others.
 
     Mrs Lam said, "Vaccination is the most effective measure to fight against the epidemic. I and a number of Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux took the lead to receive the first dose of the Sinovac vaccine last month, hoping to encourage members of the public to participate in the Programme through our action. Since the Programme was launched about a month ago, more than 350,000 people have already received their first dose of a vaccine. Among them, those who received their first dose of the Sinovac vaccine will start to receive their second dose this week.
 
     "The two vaccines that have been authorised for emergency use in Hong Kong, i.e. the Sinovac vaccine and the Comirnaty vaccine, require people to receive two doses of the same vaccine to build up the due protection. The public should receive the second dose of vaccine according to the appointment date; otherwise all previous efforts would be wasted.
 
     "Given the tight supply of vaccines worldwide, Hong Kong is lucky enough to be able to procure for all residents sufficient COVID-19 vaccines that are in compliance with the safety, efficacy and quality requirements. I hope members of the public would grasp the chance to make reservations and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The more and the earlier people get vaccinated, the faster Hong Kong can navigate through the epidemic and restore people's life to normal.
 
     "The Programme is premised on science and data, and the Government has been disseminating the latest information on vaccines as well as the professional advice given by medical experts about vaccination through various channels. The public can obtain accurate information about vaccines through official channels, and should not rashly believe unfounded rumours or false information."
 
     After the Chief Executive and the officials got vaccinated at the Central Government Offices, some members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council also received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine there.
 
     Members of the public can visit the thematic website, www.covidvaccine.gov.hk, to make reservations for vaccination and to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

Ends/Monday, March 22, 2021
Issued at HKT 14:31

NNNN