2024/25 Quadrivalent influenza vaccine services

QHMS reminds you:

Seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong usually peaks between January and March/April, with another peak in July to August. After vaccination, it takes 2 weeks for the body to develop antibodies against the virus. Protect yourself, your colleagues, family and friends by getting vaccinated against influenza.

Did you know? 

• As of May 8, 2024, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 676 severe influenza cases since the start of 2023-24 winter influenza season, with 409 fatalities.
• For children: flu vaccination can help reduce school absences and community transmission.
• For adult: healthy individual can get unwell from flu. All persons should get flu shot annually if they do not have a known contraindication.
• For elderly: elderly is generally at higher risk of complications, hospitalization and death from influenza.

The Government will provide subsidised seasonal influenza vaccination for the following eligible groups (Hong Kong residents):

• Pregnant women
• Persons aged between 50 or above
• Children and adolescents aged between 6 months and less than 18 years
• Persons with intellectual disability (PID)
• Persons receiving Disability Allowance
• Recipients of standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme
• Persons aged 18 to 49 years who are CSSA recipients and have specified high-risk conditions*. (new eligible group in 2024/25 season)

You may visit the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) http://www.chp.gov.hk/ website for the latest information of the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS).

*High-risk conditions include:

• Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complications), lung, liver or kidney diseases;
• Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);
• Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or cancer/ steroid treatment; and
• Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions or the handling of respiratory secretions, or increase the risk of aspiration, or

Q: When is the influenza season in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, influenza is most prevalent in January-March/April and July-August.

Q: How is influenza spread? 

The flu is transmitted, or spread, when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or spits, thus sending the droplets with flu virus into the air, where other people may inhale the virus. The virus then enters the nose, throat, or lungs of a person and begins to multiply, causing symptoms of influenza.

 Q: Who are the people at high risk for developing complications from influenza?

The following groups are at increased risk for serious complications from or transmission of the flu:

• Persons aged >50 years
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long-term illnesses
• Adults or children > 6 months of age who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
• Adults or children > 6 months of age who need regular medical care or had to be in a hospital because of metabolic diseases (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, obese individuals with body mass index > 30, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicine or