The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that the latest surveillance data revealed that Hong Kong has entered the influenza season. As the weather gets colder, the seasonal influenza activity is expected to increase further in the coming weeks while the activity of other respiratory infectious diseases may also increase. All sectors of the community should heighten their vigilance and enhance personal protection measures against influenza, including receiving a vaccination to protect their health and that of their family members.
As Hong Kong enters the influenza season, the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks is expected to continue to increase and there may be relatively more outbreaks in schools. Based on previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the influenza season before peaking. Members of the public who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), particularly the elderly and children who have higher risk to get infected with influenza and other complications, should receive SIV immediately to lower the risk of serious complications and death.
As 168 schools still refused to arrange SIV outreach activities for students, and another 13 schools which have agreed to arrange SIV outreach activities have not yet provided a confirmed date for vaccinations, the CHP has listed these schools on its website. CHP appealed to the parents of these schools to bring their children to receive SIV as soon as possible, as research studies have shown that influenza vaccination among children can reduce serious complications and lower school absenteeism. Furthermore, to enhance relevant vaccination services and boost the vaccination rate, the Government has opened the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) to all children aged 6 months to under 2 years. Parents may book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.
DH reminded high-risk persons to wear a surgical mask when visiting public places, and the public should also consider wearing a surgical mask when taking public transportation or staying at crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear surgical masks and seek medical advice promptly, and should consider whether to go to work or school. For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
Relevant press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/09/P2025010900383.htm
Department of Health
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