The Government announced today (December 9) that the Indemnity Fund for Adverse Events Following Immunization with Coronavirus Disease-2019 Vaccines (AEFI Fund) will cease accepting applications at midnight on December 23, 2025, as scheduled. 

     The Government established the AEFI Fund in 2021 to provide instant financial support to eligible individuals suffering from unexpected serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with the administration of vaccines approved for emergency use under the Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. The Government announced on December 18, 2023, that the AEFI fund only covered vaccines administered under the aforementioned vaccination programme on or before December 23, 2023. Individuals who received vaccinations under that programme on or before December 23, 2023, with proof of suffering from the SAEs certified by a registered medical practitioner, are still eligible to apply for the AEFI Fund within two years after receiving the last dose of vaccine.

     The aforementioned two-year period will expire at midnight on December 23, 2025. The AEFI fund will cease accepting all relevant applications (including review requests) from December 24, 2025, as scheduled.

     The AEFI Fund is an administrative arrangement. The cessation of its operation will not affect the right of relevant individuals in seeking legal recourse for damages or losses against the vaccine manufacturer. Affected individuals can still undertake civil action for claims against any person responsible for their bodily injury.

     For the documents required for submitting an application for the AEFI Fund, citizens may refer to the website (www.axa.com.hk/en/aefi-fund) or call the hotline at 2894 4699. The hotline is manned from 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:00

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