The Centre for Health Protection today unveiled the Vaccination Subsidy Schemes 2016-17 plan which will cover more population groups.
Under the plan, pregnant women, children aged six months to less than 12 years old, people aged 65 years or more, people with intellectual disabilities, and Disability Allowance recipients can receive subsidised vaccinations from doctors enrolled in the Government's vaccination subsidy schemes.
The Government will increase the subsidy for all eligible groups from $160 to $190 per dose of seasonal influenza vaccine.
Briefing the media today, the centre's Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung said: "The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommends, on top of existing priority groups, that seasonal influenza vaccination should also be prioritised for children aged six to under 12, extended from those aged six months to under six years, after reviewing local epidemiological data, the latest scientific evidence and overseas experiences.
"In 2016/17, free or subsidised vaccination for children aged six months to under 12 years and all recipients of Disability Allowance, as well as subsidised vaccination for all pregnant women, will be provided for better coverage."
The Government will prepare for the launch of vaccination programmes this autumn, he added.
