Hong Kong opens Covid shots for children from Thursday
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong health authorities said a new batch of Covid-19 vaccine for children aged six months to 11 years has arrived in the city, with free vaccinations to start on Thursday, 29 October. Bookings will open at noon on Tuesday through the government online booking platform, while parents can also use the eHealth app for registered infants and children
Key Points
- The Centre for Health Protection said the paediatric Covid-19 vaccine has arrived in Hong Kong and will be offered free to eligible children aged six months to 11 years from Thursday, 29 October.
- Appointments will open at 12pm on Tuesday through the government’s online booking platform, and parents may also book through the eHealth mobile app for registered young children
- Eligible children can receive the vaccine at designated Maternal and Child Health Centres, Student Health Service Centres, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, and designated private clinic vaccination stations
- Centre for Health Protection controller Edwin Tsui Lok-kin (徐樂堅) said evidence shows Covid-19 vaccines can effectively reduce the risk of severe disease and death, especially for higher-risk young children
- The government procured the Spikevax XFG mRNA vaccine for children after the World Health Organization and a local joint scientific committee recommended LP.8.1, XFG or NB.1.8.1 lineage vaccines for 2026/27.
Why It Matters
The rollout gives parents a new booking window and a defined set of vaccination venues ahead of the Thursday launch, which may shape demand in paediatric services this week. It also clarifies the vaccine product now available for younger children, while procurement for a new batch for people aged 12 or above is still under way