Hong Kong children face triple threat from flu, Covid-19 and RSV
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong parents should have their children vaccinated against respiratory infections as the city faces a triple threat from influenza, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to Dr Mike Kwan Yat-wah, an honorary clinical associate professor at the University of Hong Kong's department of paediatrics and adolescent medicine.
Key Points
- Dr Mike Kwan Yat-wah warned on Saturday that the current summer flu season, which began on July 2, has yet to reach its peak.
- The warning came four days after Hong Kong recorded its first child death from flu infection this year.
- Of respiratory specimens tested in the week ending August 1, 9.94 per cent were positive for flu, slightly down from 10.65 per cent the previous week.
- Kwan said children could receive flu jabs for the 2025–26 season now, then take vaccines for the 2026–27 season later, with no need to space them apart.
- Covid-19 vaccine supplies for young children have been temporarily suspended because the jabs have expired.
Why It Matters
The triple threat of simultaneous flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulation poses significant risks to vulnerable populations including children, elderly people and chronically ill patients, making vaccination a critical protective measure as Hong Kong's summer flu season continues with no clear peak in sight.
The triple threat of simultaneous flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulation poses significant risks to vulnerable populations including children, elderly people and chronically ill patients, making vaccination a critical protective measure as Hong Kong's summer flu season continues with no clear peak in sight.