The first batch of one million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine was delivered smoothly to Hong Kong today.

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip and Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan inspected the vaccine’s arrival.

Mr Nip noted that the vaccination programme, which starts next week, will help control and end the COVID-19 epidemic as early as possible.

“On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to thank the Central People’s Government for their full support, and the active co-operation of Sinovac Biotech (Hong Kong) to enable Hong Kong to get the vaccine early and in a timely manner. We all know vaccines are in huge demand and in short supply globally.”

Prof Chan appealed to the public to get vaccinated.

“All the vaccines that we have are authorised for emergency use. Through the hard work of our Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines, the vaccines have proven to be effective, of quality and also safe. So it is very important for us to all support the vaccination programme because with more people vaccinated, we can ensure that people’s normal lives can be resumed as soon as possible.”

Stringent inspection of the vaccine was carried out immediately to ensure they comply with the product specifications and their transportation process follows the cold-chain requirements.

People belonging to the priority groups for vaccination may make appointments online from February 23 to receive the jabs at five community vaccination centres and the Hospital Authority’s general out-patient clinics starting February 26.

Private doctors participating in the vaccination programme will start administering the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine before mid-March.

For information on COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccination programme, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.