The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Public hospitals and outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA) will start providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons starting from September 17 (Thursday) to dovetail with the Government Vaccination Programme 2026/27 (see Annex 1).

     Under the Government Vaccination Programme this year, the HA will mainly provide seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible patients who have follow-up appointments at HA clinics or are admitted to public hospitals, including:
 

• Persons aged six months to under 18 years, and those aged 50 years or above;
• Pregnant women;
• Eligible persons with intellectual or physical disabilities;
• Persons aged 18 to 49 years with chronic medical problems; and
• Long-stay in-patients.

     ​The list of public hospitals and outpatient clinics providing vaccinations is set out in Annex 2.

     Eligible patients may receive vaccinations at their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with distant follow-up appointment dates may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements. Individuals aged 18 or above should register with eHealth before receiving vaccinations.

     An HA spokesperson appealed to members of the public to receive vaccinations early. "The influenza activity in Hong Kong has remained at a relatively high level, and the risk of influenza transmission will increase accordingly. High-risk individuals such as chronic disease patients, the elderly and children may develop severe complications after an influenza infection, leading to serious illness or death. Vaccinations can enhance immunity against influenza and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection. The protection will last for at least six months, providing effective protection for members of the public. Since it takes about two to four weeks to develop antibodies after inoculation, the public is urged to receive flu jabs early to build up an immunity barrier for themselves."

     In addition, poultry workers, pig farmers and people who are involved in the pig-slaughtering industry, as referred by relevant government departments, can also receive seasonal influenza vaccinations in selected Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) starting from October 8 (Thursday).

     Members of the public can enquire about details of this year's seasonal influenza vaccination programme at the respective specialist outpatient clinics or FMCs they attend, or make enquiries via the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours.

Ends/Monday, August 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:45

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