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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! |
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This link will open in a new windowSeasonal Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. 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. To protect ourselves, getting an influenza vaccine early is therefore important. Please consult family doctors about the details of receiving seasonal influenza vaccination. | ||
This link will open in a new windowMpox is caused by a virus named monkeypox virus. Since May 2022, there has been a multi-country outbreak of monkeypox reported from many countries in widely disparate geographical areas globally. Infection could occur when a person comes into contact with the virus from infected animals, infected humans or contaminated materials. Members of the public should take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of contracting Mpox. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience symptoms of Mpox, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph node, mouth lesion and rash. The This link will open in a new windowMpox Vaccination Programme for high-risk groups commences on 5 October 2022, the high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis. |
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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. | ||
Apart from the many snacks and treats specially prepared for the Lunar New Year, the Chinese also attach special importance to several main meals during the New Year period. Traditional Family Reunion Dinner and New Year Feast often contain lots of meat with little vegetables. They also tend to have strong flavour. Staying healthy is as important as enjoying the festivity. This link will open in a new windowHealth Tips for Lunar New Year should be useful for healthy eating during Lunar New Year. | ||
In recent years, more people enjoy running (or even the long-distance running). Running is an aerobic exercise. It is not only good for health but also helps weight control, which will in turn reduce the risks of developing many chronic diseases (e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases) due to overweight. However, to achieve optimal health, we should run in a proper way. This link will open in a new windowHealthy Advice about Running provides some dietary and training tips about running. | ||
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 80.7 years and 86.8 years respectively in 2022. The expectation of life at birth in 2022 should be interpreted with care as the figures are affected by exceptionally high mortality rates in 2022 during the COVID-19 epidemic. | ||
Hong Kong's population has been aging steadily. In 2022, 20.8% of the population were aged 65 and above (11.5% in 2002, 13.7% in 2012) while the elderly dependency ratio was 303 per 1000 population aged 15 to 64 (159 in 2002, 183 in 2012). | ||
In 2022, the registered crude death rate* was 8.4 per 1000 population. In the last 23 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 2022. | ||
Maternal mortality ratio* remained low over the last two decades. There was one registered maternal death* in 2022, giving a maternal mortality ratio* of 3.0 per 100000 registered live births*. | ||
Chronic diseases constituted the major causes of death In 2022, malignant neoplasms, diseases of heart, cerebrovascular diseases and chronic lower respiratory diseases together accounted for 41.7% of all registered death*. | ||
* 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. |
2 Jan 2024