A group of experts will study the effectiveness of taking the vaccine for the new H3N2 virus in addition to the original influenza vaccine.
Speaking to reporters today, Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung said the experts will consider this move in its advice to the Government on the best way to prevent flu.
He said the new vaccine will not be available until April or May, and he is not certain how many doses can be attained. However, he warned the shipment will not fulfil demand, so the Government will liaise with the supplier to buy as many doses as possible.
The committee will also advise on which groups of people should have priority in taking the new vaccine when it becomes available.
Dr Leung said the flu situation has stabilised in recent days but it is hard to foresee if this improvement will continue, so the centre will closely monitor developments.
From noon yesterday to noon today, six additional cases of severe flu were reported, bringing the total number to 224, including 145 deaths, so far.
