Starting from today, members of the public can make appointments to receive the BioNTech vaccine at designated venues of the eight private healthcare institutions that have enrolled in a Government pilot scheme.

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip visited one of the clinics taking part in the BioNTech vaccination pilot scheme to inspect the provision of the vaccination services.

The scheme aims to expand the vaccination network of the BioNTech vaccine and provide more channels for vaccination.

Mr Nip said the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is providing the vaccination service through a variety of vaccination venues and he cited the non-governmental venues that provide BioNTech vaccination service as example.

Getting vaccinated at the private clinics under the programme is free of charge, he said, adding that 11 vaccination stations at public hospitals, a vaccination vehicle, designated clinics under the Hospital Authority and 21 community vaccination centres are also providing vaccination services.

Mr Nip appealed to the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible for protection against the threat posed by mutant strains, saying that a high vaccination rate can especially protect the elderly and reduce the risk of a community outbreak.

It can also help avoid frequent suspensions if quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong is resumed, he added.

The Government reminded those who are to get vaccinated that there should be a minimum interval of 14 days between COVID-19 vaccination and any other vaccination including seasonal influenza vaccination.