Hong Kong Medical Association Warns of Potential School Flu Outbreaks as Vaccination Drive Begins
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Medical Association warned Monday that flu activity has remained at high levels since Hong Kong entered the flu season in late June, with schools at particular risk of outbreaks as students return for the new academic year. The Association urged residents to get vaccinated early, highlighting that last year's vaccination drive achieved over 2.03 million doses administered. The 2026-27 seasonal flu vaccination program officially kicks off this Thursday.
Key Points
- Hong Kong has been in flu season since late June, with over 11% of 10,279 respiratory samples testing positive for flu between August 23-29, well above the 4.94% baseline
- About 76% of positive cases were identified as H1 influenza, and flu activity is expected to continue rising in the coming weeks
- The Hong Kong Medical Association warned that the start of the new school year increases the risk of community transmission and potential school outbreaks
- Last year's flu vaccination program delivered over 2.03 million doses total, with children and youth showing a 13 percentage point increase compared to the three-year average
- The Association identified the 50-64 age group and pregnant women as having particularly low vaccination rates that warrant attention
- Medical experts recommend vaccination in October to November, as the body typically takes about two weeks to develop antibodies after receiving the shot
- This year's vaccine is trivalent rather than quadrivalent, because one B influenza lineage has ceased circulating in the population
- The government expanded its Doctor Vaccine Procurement Pilot Program, increasing the quota from 100,000 to 300,000 doses and extending eligibility to more doctors
Why It Matters
With the new school year underway and flu activity already elevated, Hong Kong faces heightened pressure on its healthcare system and child wellness. The wide disparity in vaccination rates across different population groups means that vulnerable segments—particularly older adults and expectant mothers—remain at greater risk of serious complications, underscoring the need for targeted public health outreach ahead of peak flu season .
With the new school year underway and flu activity already elevated, Hong Kong faces heightened pressure on its healthcare system and child wellness. The wide disparity in vaccination rates across different population groups means that vulnerable segments—particularly older adults and expectant mothers—remain at greater risk of serious complications, underscoring the need for targeted public health outreach ahead of peak flu season .