DH appeals for vaccination at appropriate times against respiratory tract infection

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     The Department of Health (DH) today (December 19) again urged members of the public to heighten their vigilance against respiratory tract infection in winter. With the weather becoming cool, an increased activity in some respiratory pathogens is expected. The Government's free COVID-19 vaccination programme currently provides ample time slots to cater to scheduling requirements. Members of the public, especially high-risk groups, should receive vaccination in a timely manner for enhanced personal protection.

     The Government has started to provide XBB mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Those with higher risks, i.e. adult residents of residential care homes and the elderly aged 65 or above, can make a booking at this stage through the Government online booking system at booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp. If necessary, eligible persons can seek assistance for making online bookings from post offices (except mobile post offices). Venues providing XBB mRNA vaccines include 14 private clinics, 10 designated general outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority (HA), 15 designated specialist outpatient clinics under the HA and clinics under the DH. Please visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/xbb_venues_dec2023_eng.pdf) for details of the venues.

     Since the rollout of the administration of XBB mRNA vaccines on December 14, as at yesterday (December 18), a total of 8 316 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered. Among them, 5 649 doses were XBB mRNA vaccine.

     There are still ample time slots of free vaccination at private clinic COVID-19 vaccination stations available for booking, with less than 10 per cent capacity being used up in the coming two weeks. Eligible individuals with higher risks can make an appointment at these vaccination stations to receive XBB mRNA vaccine. For available booking time slots of various vaccination outlets, please visit booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/centre/index.html.

     The DH strongly urged members of the public that high-risk groups should receive a COVID-19 booster and seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) as soon as possible. Regardless of the number of COVID-19 vaccines doses received previously, they should receive a booster dose to be given at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). For convenience sake, the COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with SIV. Details of receiving both COVID-19 vaccination and SIV are available online (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106096.html).

     For the latest information, please visit the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express and influenza page. As for vaccination, the public may visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme website and Vaccination Schemes page.

Ends/Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:30

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