Press Release

Influenza vaccination subsidy schemes for young children and elderly to be launched in September

31 July 2012

Children between the age of six months to less than six years as well as elders aged 65 years and above will be eligible to receive subsidised vaccination from enrolled private doctors participating in Government's vaccination subsidy schemes starting from September 24, 2012.

This year, the Government will increase subsidy for childhood influenza vaccination from HK$80 to HK$130. Subsidy level for elders remains at $130.

Talking about the increased subsidy level, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Thomas Tsang, said at a press briefing today (July 31): "We hope more parents will bring their children for influenza vaccination before the arrival of the winter flu season."

"Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high risk individuals and even healthy persons. Except those with contraindications, influenza vaccination is suitable for all members of the public," he said.

The subsidy schemes are part of the Government's Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS) and Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (EVSS) for 2012/13 respectively.

Under CIVSS, children aged between six months and less than six years are entitled to a subsidy of HK$130 for each dose of seasonal influenza vaccine received from enrolled private doctors, up to a maximum of two doses per person.

As for EVSS, elderly people aged 65 or above will be entitled to a HK$130 subsidy for each dose of influenza vaccine and $190 for each dose of pneumococcal vaccine received from private doctors.

Dr Tsang added, "More than 1500 private doctors have joined the subsidy schemes, providing ample choice for the public." Their information, including vaccination service fee (after deducting the amount of subsidised by Government), is put on CHP website, This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk.

Besides the subsidy schemes, Government Vaccination Programme 2012/13 will be commenced on November 1, 2012, providing free seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible groups under public clinics and hospitals.

A telephone hotline (2125 2125) has been set up to answer public enquiries relating to the vaccination subsidy programmes during office hours. Members of the public may also obtain relevant information from the CHP website.