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

Unvaccinated children and elderly individuals in Hong Kong are significantly more susceptible to severe complications or death from the flu compared to those who receive vaccinations, according to a Hong Kong health official. Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin cautioned that influenza cases have been on the rise since June, with laboratory samples indicating a 13% positivity rate, up from 12% the previous year.

The rate of hospitalization due to influenza in public hospitals stands at 0.83 cases per 10,000 people, a marked increase from 0.27 cases per 10,000 people last year. Among the cases, 80% are attributed to influenza A. This year, there have been 19 severe influenza cases among children, including one death, with eight of these cases involving unvaccinated children aged 5 or younger.

Lam emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that unvaccinated children face a five times higher risk of complications or serious infections compared to their vaccinated peers. Similarly, unvaccinated elderly individuals aged 65 or above are four times more likely to experience serious infections or mortality. The government's seasonal influenza vaccination programs are set to commence next Thursday, one week earlier than the previous year.

The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) offers subsidized doses to vulnerable groups such as children, residents aged 50 or above, pregnant women, and adults with chronic diseases. Other initiatives include outreach vaccination programs for schools and residential care homes. Authorities have also enhanced a pilot scheme that enables private doctors to acquire vaccines through government contracts, tripling the supply and expanding eligibility criteria. Private doctors registered in the scheme provide free jabs to the public.