Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (October 8):

Question:

     It is learnt that there are at present over 80 recognised autoimmune disorders, with as many as 30 000 patients in Hong Kong suffering from such disorders who are at greater risk of contracting herpes zoster (HZ) (commonly known as "shingles") than average persons. While various forms of HZ vaccination plans (commonly known as "shingles vaccine") are available at various prices in the private healthcare market, the charges are considerable, with ordinary medical groups charging no less than HK$5,000. Yet the vaccine provides effective protection for only 10 years and revaccination is necessary afterwards. Ordinary grass roots may not be able to afford the expenses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that HZ vaccine is currently not included in the Government Vaccination Programme, and that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 20 last year, the Government indicated that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases considered that more local data from a cost-benefit analysis would be required for future consideration on whether to include HZ vaccine in the Government Vaccination Programme, whether relevant reviews have been conducted by the authorities; if so, of the details and the outcomes of the latest review; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) as it is learnt that it is more difficult for patients with autoimmune disorders than average persons to ascertain whether they have HZ because they may often experience unknown pain, redness and various inflammations, and as a result these patients have to spend considerable time and expenses to identify the cause of their ailments, whether the authorities have formulated any established mechanism to assist such patients in early detection and treatment of HZ; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) in the long term, whether the SAR Government will consider including HZ vaccine in its Vaccination Programme when its public financial resources return to a sufficient level, so that grass-roots patients with autoimmune disorders or other high-risk individuals can receive subsidised vaccination services?

Reply:

President,

     Herpes Zoster (also known as Shingles) is caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for Chickenpox. The virus remains latent in the nervous system of patients recovered from Chickenpox and may reactivate in times of weakened immune system many years later, inducing Herpes Zoster. Therefore, Herpes Zoster is not a disease caused by acute infection. Patients would develop painful, belt-like skin rash with blisters. Herpes Zoster is not serious in general and the risk of serious complications or death is not high. Early treatment with antiviral medications can speed up the healing of blisters; reduce the symptoms and the risk of complications. 

     One of the preventive measures against Herpes Zoster is to receive Herpes Zoster vaccine. Currently, there is one Herpes Zoster vaccine registered in Hong Kong. According to international literature available so far, the effective protection period of Herpes Zoster vaccines is around ten years generally.

     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) regularly reviews the epidemiological situation of local vaccine-preventable diseases, the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), scientific developments and evidence on vaccines, updates on vaccine components, cost-effectiveness studies, as well as actual experiences of other health authorities, and provides relevant vaccination recommendations to the DH from a public health perspective. The Government will make reference to the recommendations of the SCVPD and carefully consider various factors, including the overall medical burden of a disease on the community, vaccine availability, cost-effectiveness of large-scale vaccination, public acceptability, and other public health factors, in formulating various government subsidised immunisation programmes.

     For vaccines not included in the government's subsidised immunisation programmes, individuals can consult their family doctor for professional advice to understand the benefits, risks and necessity of vaccination. Based on the doctor's assessment of health status, medical history, and other factors, individuals can make informed decisions on whether to proceed with vaccination under informed consent.

     In response to the Hon Benson Luk's question, Health Bureau's reply after consultation with the DH and the Hospital Authority is as follows:

(1) and (3) The SCVPD discussed the topic of Herpes Zoster vaccines in September 2023. It considered that more local data from a cost-benefit analysis perspective would be essential for future consideration on the inclusion of Herpes Zoster vaccine into the government's vaccination programme. The SCVPD was of the view that Herpes Zoster vaccines available in Hong Kong were safe and effective. Individual older adults and adults with immunocompromised conditions may consider receiving Herpes Zoster vaccine after consulting their doctors to protect themselves against Herpes Zoster and its complications.

     The Health Bureau has commissioned The University of Hong Kong to conduct an analysis on the cost-benefit of the Herpes Zoster vaccine. Upon completion of the cost-benefit analysis, the SCVPD is expected to discuss the vaccination for Herpes Zoster based on the relevant analysis results in 2026.

     The Government will continue to closely monitor relevant factors, including the latest recommendations of the WHO, the views of the SCVPD, the development and change in costs of vaccines, and the overall medical burden of the disease to consider whether to implement a government-subsidised Herpes Zoster vaccination programme. The subsidy level targeting different groups will also need to be considered if it is necessary to implement the programme.

     Moreover, at the primary healthcare level, family doctors and primary healthcare professionals will closely collaborate to provide information and education on vaccinations (including Herpes Zoster vaccine), to enhance public awareness of the Herpes Zoster vaccine and preventive consciousness.

(2) As mentioned above, Herpes Zoster is not serious in general and the risk of serious complications or death is not high.    

     Patients with Herpes Zoster first experience itch or slight pain with burning sensation in the affected area, with rash appearing one to three days later. The rash then develops into blisters, which further spread in a belt-like pattern and can last from one to 14 days, during which pustules or trickle of blood may appear. This will be followed by bursting, collapse and drying up of the fluid-filled blisters and crusting over two to three weeks. Antiviral drug can shorten the recovery time of Herpes Zoster patients and it is optimal to take it within three to five days of the onset of the disease.  

     The Government encourages the public, especially immunocompromised individuals to remain vigilant. Members of the public, who experience symptoms, should seek medical advice early and take medications according to doctors' instructions. At the same time, the Government is committed to enhancing district-based primary healthcare services to shift the emphasis of the present healthcare system and mindset from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented. Initiatives include promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through District Health Centres to formulate personalised health management plans that address the health needs of citizens across different life stages, based on personal factors such as their gender, age and family history. The Government provides chronic disease and cancer screening, as well as advice and education on healthy lifestyle through family doctors and primary healthcare professionals, with a view to improving the overall health conditions of the citizens. The Government also takes this opportunity to remind the public that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help strengthen immunity and prevent Herpes Zoster.

Ends/Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:15

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