Hong Kong flu jab drive reaches 700,000 doses, minister hopes for higher uptake
Hong Kong's flu vaccination drive has administered about 700,000 doses in less than a month since 17 September. Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau urged higher uptake, targeting last year's 2.03 million doses, as new measures including expanded procurement and e-consent forms take effect.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-mau, said on 14 October that the territory's seasonal influenza vaccination programme, which began on 17 September, has administered about 700,000 doses in less than a month. Speaking at a Legislative Council flu jab event, he expressed hope that the overall uptake would surpass last year's total of about 2.03 million doses.
Lo noted that the government has introduced four new measures this year to improve coverage. These include procuring a wider variety of vaccines, expanding a pilot scheme for private doctors from 100,000 to 300,000 doses, launching electronic consent forms, and stepping up community outreach. He added that about 99 per cent of schools—more than 2,200—have taken part in the outreach programme to vaccinate students, with only 13 schools not participating, mainly due to space or staffing constraints.
The minister urged people with elderly family members, those working in care homes, and hospital staff to get vaccinated promptly to protect themselves and vulnerable groups. Legislative Council President Starry Lee, who also received a jab at the event, said more than 40 lawmakers had been vaccinated on the day, with others having done so earlier or planning to do so later.
Lee warned that influenza is not a common cold and can lead to serious complications, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions. She called on the public to get vaccinated early, saying 'one day earlier vaccination brings one day earlier peace of mind'. She also highlighted strengthened cooperation between the government, district councils, and community care teams to make vaccination more convenient for residents.