Doctors urge public receive jabs to reduce flu & COVID risks

A group of doctors on Monday said that Hong Kong sees a rise in the number of flu and COVID cases.

The Hong Kong Medical Association urged adult residents to receive relevant vaccination promptly to reduce the risk of infection.

Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season, while the number of recorded COVID cases continues to increase -- reaching 477 as of early July.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the Hong Kong Medical Association said that residents should conduct a rapid antigen test when they feel unwell, especially if they have elderly members or children at home.

The association urged individuals who require COVID jabs to make an appointment under the Government Vaccination Programme as soon as possible, as free vaccines will be temporarily unavailable while the arrival of a new batch of vaccines will not take place until the fourth quarter of this year.

RAYMOND TSO, Council Member, HKMA: "The vaccine fatigue is a true issue for most of the patients and the population. But if we can explain it, I mean, if the patient comes to the trusted doctor, they will be able to get more information and reassured that it is safe and okay to be vaccinated."

Apart from COVID and influenza vaccination, the medical organisation advises the public to receive other common jabs to protect them against disease such as RSV, Shingles and HPV.

In addition to the situation in Hong Kong, the doctors say the public should be careful if they plan to go overseas.

The association also reminds residents to take notice of the climate before travelling abroad because weather conditions can affect the virus activity levels.