Covid booster uptake stalls among high-risk groups

The Hong Kong Doctors Union expressed concern that the city's Covid-19 booster programme is struggling, particularly among older adults and high-risk groups. According to the latest data from the Centre for Health Protection, only 717 booster doses were administered last month, bringing the total administered over the past year to 47,828.

Of these, 46,119 were given to individuals aged 50 or above, which accounts for roughly 1.27 percent of the population in that age group. The union's questionnaire revealed that 79 percent of surveyed doctors found vaccination among older adults unsatisfactory, with nearly 40 percent admitting they did not actively remind patients to get the vaccine and almost 60 percent citing a lack of vaccines available.

Ivan Hung, chair of infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of Hong Kong, warned that Hong Kong experiences annual Covid-19 surges and that the disease should not be underestimated. He cited more than 170 severe cases or deaths in recent times, describing the figure as significant for high-risk individuals. The union called for routine Covid-19 vaccine supplies, one-stop flu and Covid-19 jabs at family doctor clinics, and stronger public education, emphasizing the need for a simple process, especially for older adults.

Medical professionals urged priority groups, including the elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant individuals, and healthcare workers, to receive updated vaccines on time to maintain immune protection.