High-risk groups to get free flu jabs starting Sept 17

The government has introduced free or subsidised influenza vaccinations starting from September 17 to combat seasonal flu outbreaks. Coordinated by the Centre for Health Protection, the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will continue to target high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health issues.

Health officials have secured around 1.3 million vaccine doses from two licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers, which include various types of vaccines administered through different platforms. Seasonal influenza vaccines are crucial in reducing mortality and morbidity, particularly among children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the virus.

The previous influenza season saw over 2.03 million doses administered, with coverage rates for target groups similar to the previous year, although some age groups showed significant improvement. For instance, vaccination coverage among youngsters aged six months to 18 years reached 64.8 percent, a 13 percentage point increase over the three-season average.

Among those aged 12 to 18, the rate was 61.4 percent, representing a 22.6 percentage point increase. The School Outreach Programme has also expanded its reach, vaccinating more than 2,300 schools, which accounts for 99 percent of all schools, by the end of December 2025. However, health officials acknowledged that vaccination rates are still low in certain groups, with only 27 percent of infants aged six months to two years and 8.3 percent of adults aged 18 to 49 with chronic illnesses having received the vaccine.

Health officials reassured the public that this season's vaccines are well-matched to the currently circulating influenza strains and emphasized their commitment to monitoring viral evolution and adjusting strategies accordingly.