CHP responds to media enquiries on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme
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Over 2.09 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines were administered under the various SIV programmes in 2024/25, reaching a record high. This successfully reduced severe influenza cases among adults and children by 20 per cent and 60 per cent respectively compared to the influenza seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic. School outbreaks of influenza-like illnesses also plummeted by nearly 90 per cent.
To further boost SIV rates, enrolment for the SIV School Outreach Programme has started since the beginning of June this year, which was earlier than last year. With the concerted efforts of the Government and various community sectors (including the medical sector and schools), approximately 2 300 schools (99 per cent) are going to arrange SIV school outreach activities. Among these, over 1 330 schools (58 per cent) have scheduled to carry out the outreach activities by the end of October, and over 2 140 schools (93 per cent) by the end of November, which are respectively higher than last year's 45 per cent and 83 per cent. Currently, about 300 schools have held school outreach activities, with the earliest session taking place on September 29.
Schools participating in the School Outreach Programme must coordinate with participating medical teams when scheduling school outreach activities, taking into account various objective factors such as the school calendar and staffing. Schools negotiate suitable times with the healthcare teams directly.
In view of this year's summer influenza season, coupled with the recent increase in seasonal influenza activity and the number of school outbreaks, the CHP has contacted the schools, urging them to try to further advance school outreach activities where feasible. The CHP has also contacted the private doctors participating in the SIV School Outreach Programme to seek their support, urging them to provide assistance as far as possible.
Medical teams and relevant schools are planning to advance school outreach activities under the SIV School Outreach Programme, but staffing coordination and appropriate arrangements require time. The CHP will proactively provide feasible assistance to meet the needs of the schools.
Ends/Monday, October 13, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:23
Issued at HKT 22:23
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