(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government will set up an indemnity fund to provide financial support for those who may experience serious complications from getting the COVID-19 vaccination.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam made the statement during a press conference on the Government's COVID-19 vaccination programme today, noting that individuals who suffer serious side effects can hold the manufacturer or related parties accountable, but that it involves a long legal process.

“Based on previous experience, for example, on the AIDS Trust Fund and other similar schemes, one would focus on the effects, that this individual has been affected by the drug, the disease, the virus, rather than to look into other circumstances before deciding on offering assistance to the individual."

She added that the Government is formulating the relevant details of the fund for submission to the Legislative Council for scrutiny.

“As far as details of the fund (are concerned and) whether there will be other prerequisites or criteria before affected individuals would be eligible, this will be deliberated, discussed and then presented to the Legislative Council Finance Committee.“