CHP urges flu vaccination amid rising respiratory infections
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced today (Dec. 20) that recent monitoring data shows an increase in the activity of seasonal influenza and COVID-19. As the weather turns colder, both seasonal flu and COVID-19 are expected to become more active. To protect themselves and their families, the CHP urges all individuals aged 6 months and older (unless contraindicated) to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as possible. High-risk groups are also encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness and death from infections.
A spokesperson for the CHP stated that they have been closely monitoring respiratory pathogens in the community. The latest respiratory samples indicate a rising percentage of seasonal flu viruses, alongside increased influenza-related hospitalization rates in public hospitals and flu-like cases reported in general outpatient clinics and private practices. Over the past four weeks, the activity level of seasonal influenza in the local community has risen from low levels. Regarding COVID-19, the most prevalent variant in Hong Kong is JN.1 and its descendants. Although the overall activity of COVID-19 has gradually decreased to low levels since late July, there has recently been an uptick from these low levels.
The spokesperson continued by noting that the government encourages residents to get the seasonal flu vaccine as early as possible, providing free and subsidized vaccines for eligible children, seniors, and other target groups through various vaccination programs. Public response has been positive, with approximately 1.74 million doses of the seasonal flu vaccine administered as of December 15, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, vaccination rates for individuals aged 50 to 64 and those aged 12 to 18 saw increases of 17% and 27%, respectively.
The government emphasizes that, according to scientific evidence, receiving the flu vaccine is one of the most effective methods to prevent seasonal flu and its complications, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalization and death due to seasonal flu. For schoolchildren, vaccination can also lessen the chances of absenteeism due to illness, benefiting both their health and learning.
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