Hong Kong to offer new Covid vaccine for children from 29 October
Hong Kong will offer the Spikevax XFG mRNA Covid vaccine for children aged six months to 11 years from 29 October. Appointments can be booked from 27 October. The vaccine is recommended by the WHO and local scientific committees.
Hong Kong will begin offering a new Covid-19 vaccine for children from Thursday, 29 October, the city's Centre for Health Protection announced on 26 October. The Spikevax XFG messenger RNA vaccine, targeting the LP.8.1, XFG or NB.1.8.1 lineages, will be available free of charge to eligible children aged six months to 11 years.
Dr Leung Kim-sing, director of the Centre for Health Protection, said scientific evidence shows Covid vaccines can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and death. Although the virus has become a common respiratory infection locally and globally, some high-risk individuals, especially young children who have not received initial doses or developed immunity through natural infection, face a higher risk of serious complications.
The World Health Organization and the centre's Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases have recommended using vaccines from the LP.8.1, XFG or NB.1.8.1 lineages for the 2026/27 season. The government has procured the Spikevax XFG vaccine accordingly.
Appointments can be made from noon on 27 October via the government's online booking platform or the eHealth mobile app, which automatically fills in personal details and past vaccination records. Vaccinations will be available at designated Department of Health maternal and child health centres, student health service centres, Hong Kong Children's Hospital and designated private clinic vaccination stations.
According to the latest recommendations from the joint scientific committee, children aged six months to four years who have never been infected with Covid should receive two doses, with a minimum interval of 28 days, to complete the initial series. Those aged five or older, regardless of infection history, and children aged six months to four years who have been infected, need only one dose.
For immunocompromised children aged six months to 11 years, a booster is recommended at least six months after their last dose or a Covid infection, whichever is later, regardless of how many previous doses they have received.
Dr Leung also noted that Hong Kong has been in a flu season since late June. Parents may inquire about flu vaccination at the same time as the Covid jab, as the two can be given together for dual protection, based on scientific evidence.
Procurement of new Covid vaccines for people aged 12 and older is ongoing, with details to be announced separately.
