Flu Vaccination Campaign Reaches 700,000 Doses; Health Chief Urges Higher Uptake
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's annual flu vaccination programme has reached approximately 700,000 doses administered since its launch on September 17, 2026. Health Secretary Lo Chung-kau attended a Legislative Council outreach event on Wednesday, urging the public to surpass last year's total of 2.03 million doses. The event saw over 40 lawmakers receiving their flu shots, with Legislative Council President Anita Chan calling for accelerated community uptake as a new flu season approaches.
Key Points
- The flu vaccination programme began on September 17, 2026, and has administered about 700,000 doses in under one month
- Health Secretary Lo Chung-kau hopes the vaccination rate can exceed last year's approximately 2.03 million doses
- Four new measures introduced this year include more diversified vaccine procurement, expanded private doctor pilot from 100,000 to 300,000 doses, electronic consent forms, and enhanced community outreach
- About 99% of schools (over 2,200) are participating in outreach vaccination services, with only 13 schools not participating due to venue and staffing constraints
- Summer flu since June has resulted in 23 severe pediatric cases including one child death, and 730 severe adult cases with 503 deaths
- Over 40 legislators received flu shots at Wednesday's event, with some having been vaccinated earlier or planning to do so later
- The government has strengthened cooperation with district councils and caring teams to facilitate community vaccination
Why It Matters
With Hong Kong facing a new flu season and already significant severe illness and mortality from summer flu, accelerating vaccination uptake among high-risk groups—including children, elderly residents, and healthcare workers—is critical to preventing further deaths and reducing strain on the hospital system .
With Hong Kong facing a new flu season and already significant severe illness and mortality from summer flu, accelerating vaccination uptake among high-risk groups—including children, elderly residents, and healthcare workers—is critical to preventing further deaths and reducing strain on the hospital system .