Helping hand: Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow announces the details of the fu vaccination subsidy scheme.

The influenza vaccination subsidy scheme will run from November 1 to March 31 next year, allowing eligible children to get flu vaccine service from private doctors at subsidised fee levels.

Announcing the scheme this afternoon, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow said each eligible child is entitled to a subsidy of $80 per dose of flu vaccine received from private doctors enrolled in the scheme.

Children between the age of six months and less than six years with Hong Kong resident status and those aged six or above but attending kindergartens or childcare centres are eligible for the subsidy.

About 300,000 children will benefit from the scheme, Dr Chow said, adding it will cost about $56 million.

Parents will pay the remaining fee after the $80 subsidy is discounted. A child who has not received flu vaccination before normally need two doses.

Transparent mechanism

Doctors who have enrolled in the scheme will display a dedicated logo at their clinics. They will also put up in the clinic the fees charged for flu vaccination service for public reference. 

Clinic addresses and telephone numbers of and prices of flu vaccination service enrolled doctors charge will be posted on the Centre for Health Protection's website.

A hotline, 2125 2125, has been set up to handle public enquiries on the scheme from 9am to 5.30 pm on weekdays.

When the scheme begins on November 1, parents should bring along their children's identity documents to participating doctors for verification. Those who are six or above but attending kindergarten or childcare centres should also provide documents to prove their attendance.

Free services for target groups

For children aged between six months and less than six years whose families receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, the Government will provide free flu vaccination services through public hospitals and clinics.

Private doctors interested in participating are advised to place early orders for flu vaccines from their suppliers to ensure adequate supplies.

The Government will continue to provide free flu vaccination services to the eligible target groups for the 2008-09 flu season through public hospitals and clinics.