Acknowledging the World Health Organization's (WHO) updated statement on the antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines, the Centre for Health Protection today stressed that the vaccines available in Hong Kong, including the BioNTech and Sinovac jabs, are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19.

In its recommendation regarding the development of new vaccines, apart from recommending the use of a monovalent XBB.1 descendent lineage as an option, the WHO stated that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines should continue to be used.

People who have not received the first three vaccine doses should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection, the centre noted, adding that high-risk groups are encouraged to get an additional booster jab six months after their last dose or COVID-19 infection, whichever is later.

The centre will continue to closely monitor the situation of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and the risks with an emphasis on the protection of high-risk groups, and keep watch of the WHO’s latest assessments.