Unvaccinated children, elderly face much higher risk of major flu complications: official

Unvaccinated children and the elderly face significantly higher risks of severe flu complications and mortality, according to a Hong Kong health official. Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin warned that those who do not receive vaccinations are four to five times more likely to suffer complications or die from the flu compared to those who are vaccinated.

Hong Kong has seen a rise in influenza cases since June, with laboratory samples showing a 13% positivity rate, up from 12% last year. There were 0.83 cases per 10,000 people requiring medical treatment or hospitalization due to influenza, a significant increase from 0.27 cases per 10,000 people last year. Among the cases, 80% were caused by influenza A. This year, there have been 19 severe influenza cases among children, including one death, with eight of those involving unvaccinated children aged 5 or younger.

Lam urged the public, especially vulnerable groups, to get vaccinated, as the government's seasonal influenza vaccination programs would begin next week, a week earlier than last year. He emphasized that unvaccinated children and elderly people aged 65 or above faced four times the risk of severe infections or death compared to their vaccinated counterparts.

The government's vaccination programs, including the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme and outreach programs for schools and residential care homes, aim to protect vulnerable populations. Private doctors have also been encouraged to participate in the vaccination efforts.