Health strategy:
Centre for Health Protection controller Dr Leung Ting-hung briefs media on pneumococcal vaccination.
Subsidised vaccines set for children
November 25, 2013
Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung announced today the Government will subsidise pneumonia vaccinations for children aged two to under five years old.
Speaking to the media after the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases' working group meeting on pneumococcal vaccination, Dr Leung said the decision was made after considering the committee’s advice, and the concerns of parents.
The meeting was held after two children died of invasive pneumococcal infection from Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria last week.
Dr Leung said the Government will soon elaborate on its subsidy plan.
Working group chairman Prof Lau Yu-lung said the group does not suggest all children from three to five have the vaccination because the protection period only lasts six to 12 months.
The group advised that children have an influenza vaccination as soon as possible, and ensure good personal hygiene to prevent infection.
