Influenza Vaccination
Influenza Vaccination
- The most efficient way to prevent influenza and its complications
- It is recommended that vaccination should be received in autumn every year
- Circulating seasonal influenza strains may change every year
- Immunity against influenza may decrease over time
Influenza Vaccination Programme
- Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above can receive free influenza vaccination (Standard Influenza Vaccines)
- Receive free influenza vaccination via public clinics under the "Government Vaccination Programme"
- Receive subsidized influenza vaccination from private doctors who are enrolled to the "Vaccination Subside Scheme"
- Elders living in residential homes may receive free influenza vaccination in the homes by Visiting Medical Officers under the "Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme"
Influenza Vaccination – Important Note
- Not suitable to receive inactivated influenza vaccination:
- Previous allergic reaction to inactivated influenza vaccine
- Allergy to vaccine components (e.g. those who have egg allergy)
- Those with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants should first consult their doctors for advice
- Those who have fever on the day of vaccination should postpone their vaccination till recovery
- Occasional soreness, redness or swelling may appear at injection site. Some vaccine recipients may have fever, muscle / joint pain and fatigue after vaccination
- About 2 weeks after vaccination, the body will develop a sufficient level of antibodies to protect against influenza virus infection