CHP's designated Mpox vaccination centre to cease operation on December 1
*************************************************************************
The Government's Mpox vaccination programme commenced on October 5 last year, under which Hong Kong residents belonging to high-risk groups (including individuals with high-risk sexual practices; healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox; laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong) can receive vaccination on a voluntary basis.
The Government assesses the risk in view of the latest scientific evidence and situation, and implements corresponding control measures. As the number of Mpox confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong increased, the CHP set up the designated Mpox vaccination centre starting from July 27 this year for high-risk groups to receive vaccination by appointment. As at November 26, more than 1 400 doses of vaccine were administered at the designated Mpox vaccination centre and over 14 800 doses administered under the Mpox vaccination programme. With underutilisation of the designated centre located on Argyle Street in recent months, the centre will cease operation starting from December 1.
Those belonging to high-risk target groups can continue to receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at eight Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) of the DH (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS). Further information on the clinics is available at www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.html and www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcm.html. Meanwhile, the DH's Integrated Treatment Centre in Kowloon Bay, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will continue to provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
A total of 54 confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far. The CHP appeals again to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once, and they should not engage in activities with others during which other people may have contact with their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection.
Please visit the CHP's page on Mpox Vaccination Programme (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106090.html) for the latest information.
Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
NNNN