Chief Executive John Lee today called on the public to receive their seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) early in preparation for the coming winter influenza season.

Mr Lee made the call as he received his SIV together with a number of principal officials and under secretaries with some of them also receiving their COVID-19 vaccination.

“The COVID-19 epidemic and a series of anti-epidemic measures implemented in the past two years or so lead to relatively low levels of local seasonal influenza activity and overall immunity against influenza in the community,” Mr Lee said.

It follows that receiving seasonal influenza vaccination is of particular importance as compared with previous years, he added.

“Co-infection with influenza and COVID-19 may result in more serious complications and even death. I call on all members of the public, especially high-risk groups, including the elderly and young children, to receive seasonal influenza vaccination early and the recommended dosage of COVID-19 vaccines to protect their health and lives."

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, who received his SIV and the fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccination concurrently last month, was also present.

He said that according to the consensus reached by the Scientific Committees under the Centre for Health Protection, COVID-19 vaccine can be administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at the same time.

A number of venues, including designated facilities of the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health, are providing vaccination services with both vaccines for eligible people in succession.

Prof Lo said that as it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies after vaccination, the people should act as early as possible.

Starting today, Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above can choose to receive their free SIV when they are at the community vaccination centres for the COVID-19 vaccination. Prior reservations for receiving both vaccinations can be made through the booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.