Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1.        CHP acknowledges WHO’s statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines
Acknowledging the updated statement on antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health stressed that receiving COVID-19 vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection and called on members of the public who have not received the first three doses of vaccine to get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/19/P2023051900675.htm

2.        Government responds to enquiries on latest advice of WHO
Following WHO’s announcement that the COVID-19 epidemic situation no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the Government would make reference to WHO’s latest advice on the epidemic situation in assessing the local situation and relevant risks, as well as the mutation of COVID-19 strains, thereby appraising the epidemic prevention and control response level, and adjusting the remaining measures and arrangements in relation to the epidemic accordingly. Announcements would be made in due course as appropriate.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/06/P2023050600622.htm

3.        Community testing centres and community testing stations completely ceased operation
The Government announced that five COVID-19 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) had completely ceased operation from May 13.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/05/P2023050500431.htm

4.        Government’s response on arrangement of extending shelf life of COVID-19 oral drugs
A Government spokesman stressed that all COVID-19 oral drugs currently prescribed to confirmed COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong have been tested and confirmed by the drug manufacturers as effective and safe, and comply with the relevant drug safety regulation. The practice of shelf life extension of the two COVID-19 oral drugs is also an established practice in the global pharmaceutical industry. The spokesman reiterated that the COVID-19 oral drugs is safe and effective while the local supply is sufficient. The Government would ensure that there are sufficient medical resources to meet local needs.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/12/P2023051200653.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health

23 May 2023

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