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	To safeguard public health, the Government is implementing a territory-wide This link will open in a new windowCOVID-19 Vaccination Programme free of charge for eligible persons. Under the Programme, COVID-19 vaccination will be available in different locations, including Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations(PCVS), Children Community Vaccination Centres(CCVC), Designated general outpatient clinics and COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals of Hospital Authority, Designated private clinics, Designated clinics of the Department of Health (DH) and outreach to residential care homes or other suitable venues. Based on local studies and experience, three doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against severe disease and death. Members of the public, who have not received the first three doses of vaccine and have never been infected, they are recommended to get free vaccination as early as possible for self-protection. Early vaccination for all!
	This link will open in a new windowSeasonal Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March/April and from July to August. Influenza viruses mainly spread through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. To prevent seasonal influenza, members of the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. The infection may also spread by direct contact with the secretions of infected persons. A person getting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and has a higher risk of death, and seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and length of stay. The experts highly recommended members of the public, especially those high-risk individuals, to receive COVID-19 vaccination and seasonal influenza vaccination at the same time as soon as possible, to guard against the possible COVID-19 upsurge and flu season which may appear simultaneously. Please consult family doctors about the details of receiving seasonal influenza vaccination.
	This link will open in a new windowDengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne infection caused by the dengue viruses. It is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female Aedes mosquitoes. The dengue viruses encompass 4 different serotypes. The symptoms of first infection are usually mild. Once recovered, lifelong immunity to that serotype of virus will develop. Subsequent infections with other serotypes of dengue virus are more likely to result in severe dengue which is potentially fatal. The best preventive measure is to prevent accumulation of stagnant, control vectors and reservoir of the diseases and to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers who return from affected areas and feel unwell should seek medical advice promptly, and provide travel details to doctor.
	This link will open in a new windowMeasles is a highly communicable infectious disease caused by measles virus. This can be transmitted airborne by droplet spread or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons. Symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If symptoms arise, members of the public should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded places. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below 1. Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure. In addition, members of the public should maintain personal and environmental hygiene and wash hands frequently. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals.
	The human body can regulate internal temperature within safe limits spontaneously. When we get hot, the temperature control centre inside our body will trigger responses such as sweating and increasing breathing rate to cool us down. However, when the environment becomes extremely hot and spontaneous responses cannot effectively cool down our body, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke will occur. Do take precautions for the This link will open in a new windowprevention of heat stroke.
	When the soccer season draws near, soccer fans will soon be watching the World Cup matches on television, and very likely snacking at the same time for better fun. Popular snacks on these occasions are usually potato chips, prawn crackers, soft drinks, beer, etc. However, they are all high in energy. Over-consumption of these food items may result in obesity, which will lead to health problems in the long run. If you do not want to develop a pot-belly after the matches, please follow the eating tips of This link will open in a new windowHealthy Snacks for Soccer Watching.
	Health indices in Hong Kong rank among the best in the world.
	The life expectancy at birth for both sexes have increased from 67.8 years for males and 75.3 years for females in 1971 to 82.5# years and 87.9# years respectively in 2023.
	Hong Kong's population has been aging steadily. In 2023, 21.8% of the population were aged 65 and above (11.8% in 2003, 14.2% in 2013) and the elderly dependency ratio was 321 per 1000 population aged 15 to 64 (162 in 2003, 190 in 2013).
	In 2023, the registered crude death rate* was 7.5# per 1000 population. In the last 24 years, the age-specific death rates for all ages have fallen significantly. The age-standardised death rate*, which takes into account population aging, has shown a steady decline.
	Infant mortality rate* was consistently low at 1.6# per 1000 registered live births* in 2023.
	Maternal mortality ratio* remained low over the last two decades. There was one registered maternal death* in 2023, giving a maternal mortality ratio* of 3.0# per 100000 registered live births*.
	Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remained to be the major causes of death in 2023. Four major NCDs, namely malignant neoplasms (cancer), cardiovascular diseases (which include diseases of heart and cerebrovascular diseases), chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus, together accounted for 50.6%# of all registered deaths* in 2023.
	# Provisional figures. * The figures are based on births and deaths registered under the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap. 174, Laws of Hong Kong) during the specified period.