Subsidized Vaccinations/Guard Against Communicable Diseases

[GeoDerek]

The Education Bureau reminds all students, parents and educators to stay vigilant in guarding against communicable diseases.

The Center for Health Protection has highlighted that norovirus associated acute gastroenteritis outbreaks usually occur between November and January. An early increase in norovirus outbreaks has been recorded.

Influenza is most common from January to March and from July to August.

Starting from 24 September 2012, children between 6 months and 6 years will be eligible to receive subsidized influenza vaccinations from enrolled private doctors participating in the Government's vaccination subsidy scheme.

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: “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...

...“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, www.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.

Everyone is reminded to maintain a good standard of personal, food, and environmental hygiene.