In response to media inquiries regarding online rumours alleging that the consent form for the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme contains hidden details and that the physical condition of individuals receiving seasonal influenza vaccines might be included in organ donation matching or related research, the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection vehemently denied such claims.

The centre today said the allegations are completely unfounded and people should not be misled.

Under the 2025-26 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes, eligible high-risk groups generally need to complete a consent form before receiving free or subsidised SIV through the programmes.

The consent form specifies that the information provided may be transferred to private doctors, the Primary Healthcare Commission, the Hospital Authority, the Government's agents and 15 healthcare-related statutory boards and councils that the Department of Health provides secretariat support to.

The consent forms also state that the Government may, when necessary, provide personal data obtained to other organisations, including the 15 healthcare-related statutory boards and councils, for the purposes of personal data collection stated in the consent form.

The centre noted that these provisions ensure that the Department of Health can promptly and effectively investigate any rare adverse events that may occur during the SIV programmes, such as enabling the relevant bodies to investigate serious medical incidents involving vaccine recipients.

The department will never use the information for organ donation or research on donor-recipient matching.

Both paper and electronic consent forms are generally destroyed within seven years. The department does not retain the personal data either. This practice fully complies with relevant laws and requirements for protecting personal data privacy.

The centre urged the public not to hesitate about receiving SIV due to rumours. It stressed that vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. It also reduces the risks of in-patient admission and mortality due to seasonal influenza.