The Government today said it has been stockpiling the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for treatment of influenza A and B viruses, monitoring the supply and liaising with the drug distributor to ensure a stable supply in Hong Kong.

About 11 million doses of antivirals have been stockpiled in accordance with the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, of which around 90% are oseltamivir, including both the capsule and oral suspension.

Statistics show that the supply of the Tamiflu capsule is currently stable, while the supply of the Tamiflu oral suspension is slightly tight temporarily. In this connection, the drug distributor is re-allocating the oral suspension for supply to the local market.

At the same time, the Department of Health is co-ordinating the distributors so as to re-allocate the stockpiled antivirals, including the oral suspension, by the Government to the private healthcare market when necessary to ensure an adequate supply.

Noting that Hong Kong has entered the influenza season and local seasonal flu activity is expected to stay at a higher level within a short period of time, the Government urged the community to be vigilant and take appropriate action to prevent the transmission of flu.

Vaccination is one of the effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications as well as reduce influenza-related hospitalisation and death, it added.