Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong
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Experts of the JSC opined that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, with periodic surges in activity in Hong Kong approximately every six to nine months, primarily driven by a decrease in herd immunity and shifts in dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants. Over the past few years since 2023, hospitalisation rates, incidence rates of severe cases and mortality rates associated with COVID-19 have generally declined in a progressive manner in Hong Kong. However, the corresponding rates remain significantly higher among certain high risk groups, such as residents of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the elderly aged 65 years or above. Related rates for other population groups, including healthy adults aged below 65 years and younger adults with chronic illnesses, have decreased to relatively low levels.
Having reviewed the latest local epidemiology, scientific evidence on relevant vaccines, recommendations from the World Health Organization and overseas vaccination practices, experts have issued the following recommendations on the use of the COVID-19 vaccines:
1. Booster vaccination for high-risk priority groups in 2026
A booster dose is recommended to be given at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously, for the following high-risk priority groups for enhanced protection:
- residents of RCHEs;
- elderly persons aged 65 years or above who are living in the community;
- persons aged 50 to 64 years with underlying comorbidities;
- persons with immunocompromising conditions aged 6 months or above; and
- pregnant women.
While healthcare workers face a similar risk of COVID-19 infection as the general public, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable healthcare workforce. A large number of sick healthcare workers during surges can lead to reduced manpower for patient care, placing significant pressure on the healthcare system. Hence, the JSC encouraged healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for their personal protection.
In other words, based on scientific data, the JSC considered that individuals aged 18 to 49 with chronic illnesses, as well as healthy individuals aged 50 to 64, do not belong to the high-risk priority groups requiring booster vaccination in the next year.
Moreover, the JSC considered that the regimen for initial vaccination, as stipulated in the July 2024 recommendation, remained valid. Members of the public who have never received the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to receive age-appropriate initial doses of the vaccine with reference to the schedule from respective vaccine manufacturers. For example, a person aged 5 years or above is considered to have completed initial vaccination after receiving one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
2. Choice of COVID-19 vaccine
Experts reviewed the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants detected through sewage surveillance and human infection cases. They noted that NB.1.8.1 is currently the dominant strain in Hong Kong. This strain is a descendant lineage of JN.1. There is no evidence to suggest that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe diseases.
Overseas studies showed that during periods of JN.1 descendant lineage circulation, the JN.1 vaccines provided additional protection against symptoms and severe cases of COVID-19, with protection waning over time after vaccination. Animal studies revealed that the LP.8.1 vaccine induces improved neutralising antibody responses against NB.1.8.1 and other JN.1 subvariants compared to the JN.1 vaccine.
Based on the latest scientific evidence, the JSC recommended either the JN.1 vaccine or the LP.8.1 vaccine as the vaccine choice in 2026.
The JN.1 vaccine, which is currently used in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Hong Kong, effectively reduces the risk of serious illness and death due to COVID-19 infection. Vaccine supply remains adequate. According to the abovementioned recommendations by the JSC, the Government will commence the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for use in 2026 and will launch a new vaccination programme in the first quarter of 2026. Details will be announced in due course.
Details of the JSC's recommendations are available on the CHP's website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.
Ends/Thursday, October 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:10
Issued at HKT 10:10
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