DH responds to media enquiries regarding Vaccination Subsidy Scheme consent forms
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The allegations are completely unfounded. Members of the public should not be misled.
The 2025/26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes comprises four programmes, namely Government Vaccination Programme, Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme, Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme and VSS. Eligible high-risk groups generally need to complete a consent form before receiving free or subsidised SIV through the programmes. The consent form specifies that the information provided may be transferred to private doctors, the Primary Healthcare Commission, the Hospital Authority, the Government's agents and 15 healthcare-related statutory Boards and Councils that the DH provides secretariat support to. In the past, the consent forms of the SIV Programmes also stated that the Government may, when necessary, provide personal data obtained to other organisations (including the aforementioned 15 healthcare-related statutory Boards and Council for which the DH provides secretariat support) for the purposes of personal data collection stated in the consent form. These provisions ensure that the DH can promptly and effectively investigate any rare adverse events that may occur during the SIV programmes, such as enabling the relevant bodies to investigate serious medical incidents involving vaccine recipients. The DH will never use the information for organ donation or research on donor-recipient matching. Both paper and electronic consent forms are generally destroyed within seven years. The DH does not retain the relevant personal data either. This practice fully complies with relevant laws and requirements for protecting personal data privacy.
The CHP urged the public not to hesitate about receiving SIV due to rumours. The CHP stressed that vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. It also reduces the risks of in-patient admission and mortality due to seasonal influenza. All members of the public aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV every year for personal protection. As the saying goes, 'get vaccinated once a year and sooner is better than later'.
For more information on the government-subsidised SIV Programmes, please call the CHP at 2125 2125 or visit the website.
Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 23:10
Issued at HKT 23:10
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