{"id":478080,"date":"2026-06-15T08:13:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/478080\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T08:13:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:13:25","slug":"hk-govt-urges-vulnerable-groups-to-get-free-covid-jabs-before-gap-in-supply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/478080\/","title":{"rendered":"HK gov’t urges vulnerable groups to get free Covid jabs before gap in supply"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vulnerable Hongkongers are being urged by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to get their Covid-19 jabs before current stocks expire.<\/p>\n

\"AA baby receiving a Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: GovHK. <\/p>\n

The renewed call comes after the government confirmed two severe paediatric cases of Covid-19 infection, involving a one-year-old boy<\/a> and a 19-month-old boy<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The CHP said last week that the two children were in critical condition and neither had received a Covid vaccine.<\/p>\n

CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui warned that \u201ccertain high-risk individuals, especially young children, who have not received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and have not developed immunity through natural infection, face a higher risk of serious complications if they become infected.\u201d <\/p>\n

He urged that those who have not yet received their initial dose of the vaccine, including children aged six months or above, should get vaccinated as soon as possible and that high-risk individuals, especially the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities, should also receive a booster dose. <\/p>\n

For children aged between six months and 11 years old, vaccination services will be available until July 10. Services for those aged 12 or above will continue until September 5.<\/p>\n

\"elderlyA senior citizen receiving a Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: GovHK.<\/p>\n

A new batch of the LP.8.1 mRNA Covid-19 vaccines will be available in the final quarter of 2026, according to the CHP.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring this transition period, eligible individuals will not be able to receive free COVID-19 vaccines through the Programme for a short period. As such, those in need are advised to make appointments as early as possible,\u201d the CHP said.<\/p>\n

Initial doses are free for residents aged six months and older.<\/p>\n

Currently, priority groups eligible for a free booster under the Government Vaccination Programme include those over 65, residents of elderly care homes, people aged 50 to 54 with underlying comorbidities, anyone aged over six months who is immunocompromised, pregnant women and healthcare workers.<\/p>\n

Dr Mike Kwan, president of the Asian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, said on Sunday that it takes a fortnight for the body to fully develop immunity after getting the jab, so high-risk individuals should act now.<\/p>\n

\u201cPending the new strain of the vaccine coming to Hong Kong at the end of this year\u2026 there will be a gap where there will be no Covid vaccine available in Hong Kong,\u201d Kwan said after a Commercial Radio programme, according<\/a> to RTHK.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf any individual, especially those high-risk individuals, including small children, elderly and compromised people, if they have not yet received the Covid vaccine or their vaccine was received more than six months ago since the last dose, please [get your] vaccination as early as possible to increase your immunity to protect against Covid infection,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Visit the CHP website<\/a> for more information or details on where to book a jab privately.<\/p>\n

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