Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man says a pharmaceutical company has verbally agreed to supply H3N2 influenza vaccines to Hong Kong by April, at the earliest.
Speaking to reporters today, Dr Ko said experts have raised the possibility that the traditional peak flu season may extend into April or May. He added that the arrival of the new vaccines could prevent an excessive summer outbreak.
He also expects there may not be enough supply to cover everyone who wants to be vaccinated, so an expert panel will decide which groups should be given priority.
Dr Ko also expressed concern about the high number of patients in hospitals, and urged district offices to help boost hygiene education and promotional efforts among the community.
