CE and Principal Officials call on public to receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations early (with photos)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, together with a number of Principal Officials and Under Secretaries received seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) today (October 6) and called on members of the public to receive SIV early in preparation for the coming winter influenza season. Some of them also received COVID-19 vaccination concurrently today.
 
     Mr Lee said, "Receiving SIV this year is of particular importance for members of the public as compared with previous years. The COVID-19 epidemic and a series of anti-epidemic measures implemented in the past two years or so have led to relatively low levels of local seasonal influenza activity and overall immunity against influenza in the community.
 
     "A person may suffer from serious illnesses after getting infected with influenza. Co-infection with influenza and COVID-19 may result in more serious complications and even death. I call on all members of the public, especially high-risk groups, including the elderly and young children, to receive SIV early and the recommended dosage of COVID-19 vaccines to protect their health and lives."
 
     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, who had received SIV and the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccination concurrently last month, was also present to show support today. He said, "According to a consensus reached by the Scientific Committees under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) in August this year, COVID-19 vaccine can be administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at the same time. A number of venues, including designated facilities of the Hospital Authority and the DH, have been progressively providing vaccination services with both vaccines for eligible members of the public. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies afterwards, I strongly appeal to members of the public to receive vaccination early."
 
     Starting from today, Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above can also choose to receive free SIV on-site concurrently when they are there for COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs). They can also make prior reservations for receiving both vaccinations through the booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
 
     The 2022/23 Government Vaccination Programme, Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach and Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme have commenced to provide free or subsidised SIV for eligible persons. Eligible persons include residents of residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities as well as those in residential child care centres, children aged 6 months to under 12, persons aged 50 or above, pregnant women, persons with intellectual disability and recipients of Disability Allowance. For more information, members of the public may call the CHP at 2125 2125 or browse the dedicated webpage on Vaccination Schemes.

Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:40

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