HONG KONG: Flu vaccination subsidies in Hong Kong have been extended to people over 65 or above, the Department of Health yesterday in announcing the start of this year's flu vaccination subsidy scheme. The Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (EVSS) aims to encourage aged people to receive seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. The start date for this year's program is October 19. Eligible residents will get a HK$130 and HK$190 subsidy from the government respectively for getting the vaccines from private doctors under the EVSS.

As in previous years, children between six months and six years are entitled to a subsidy of HK$80 per dose of influenza vaccine administered by private doctors, up to two doses a year. The subsidies under the Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (CIVSS) were implemented from last year.

Children aged six or above holding Hong Kong residential status who attend kindergartens or child care centers also are eligible to receive the subsidy, with proper identification.

The swine flu vaccination subsidy scheme is expected to be completed by the end of the year. People eligible for EVSS and CIVSS will also benefit from this scheme.

Thomas Tsang of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said private doctors actively participate in the schemes. More than 1,000 private doctors have submitted applications for enrolment to the EVSS and CIVSS programs.

"On average, about 60 private practices in each district are expected to collaborate in the schemes, which provides sufficient choices to residents no matter where they are living," said Tsang.

Information of private doctors who have joined the programs will be updated regularly on the CHP website, to include names, clinic addresses, telephone numbers, and fees charged for different types of vaccinations. CIVSS and/or EVSS logos will also be displayed outside clinics of participating doctors for easy recognition.

All the vaccinations used in private practice have been well tested and proven to safe over the past years, Tsang said.

"The schemes are expected to reduce the hospitalization rate, related complications and mortality as a result of the infections," said Tsang. "Public perception for the importance of getting vaccination is also expected to be raised by promoting these schemes, since taking vaccination is not compulsory in Hong Kong; but it is very important to prevent diseases at an early stage."

Surveys showed about half the children in Hong Kong had influenza vaccinations last year.

(HK Edition 10/13/2009 page1)