Government influenza vaccination programme to kick off on Sep 17

The government's latest seasonal influenza vaccination programme is set to kick off this Thursday, with public hospitals and clinics under the Hospital Authority set to offer free vaccinations for eligible patients.

The HA urges the city's young and old, as well as pregnant women to get the preventative jab.

Patients eligible for the latest influenza vaccination programme at Hong Kong's public hospitals include

those aged between six months and 18 years-old, as well as individuals aged 50 or above, pregnant women and patients suffering from chronic health conditions between the ages of 18 and 49.

Those who have upcoming medical appointments can get their vaccinations during the same visit.

Those without upcoming appointments can bring their identification documents to an HA-associated clinic or call the facility to arrange their vaccinations.

Residents aged 18 or above must also use the eHealth system.

Dr. Chan Ting-pong, an associate consultant for the HA's New Territories East Cluster, says clinical records between the end of June and the 14th of this month saw at least 20 serious cases of influenza among children.

He adds there has also been a surge in hospitalisation rates among flu patients aged 65 or above as well as those below the age of 12.

Health authorities also advises pregnant women to get the jab to ensure their own safety as well as that of their unborn children.