The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme 2020-21 will start on October 8 to provide subsidised seasonal influenza vaccinations for eligible Hong Kong residents, the Centre for Health Protection announced today.

Eligible groups include people aged 50 or older, children aged 6 months to under 12 years, primary school students, pregnant women, people with intellectual disabilities, those receiving Disability Allowance, and recipients of the standard rate of 100% disabled or requiring constant attendance under Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme.

They can receive the vaccinations from enrolled private doctors in their clinics. The subsidy for each jab will be $240 for eligible groups.

Enrolled doctors' clinics may charge an extra fee while currently around 40% of clinics do not charge an extra fee.

Click here for the list of enrolled doctors and their service fees.

Meanwhile, the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach program will also start on October 8 for kindergartens and child care centres. The one for primary schools will start on October 22.

Government or public-private partnership teams will reach out to participating schools to provide free flu jabs to students.

Parents of eligible children can also arrange a subsidised vaccination at clinics of private doctors enrolled in the scheme.

The centre reminded the public that influenza viruses and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 will possibly spread in the coming winter influenza season. It explained that getting the flu jab is important because people who catch both illnesses simultaneously may become more seriously ill.

It therefore urged eligible groups to get vaccinated early.

Furthermore, a subsidised pneumococcal vaccination will also be provided for eligible people under the scheme to prevent pneumococcal infections.

Click here for details.